This book was indeed insightful, gripping, moving and full of increasing suspense, curiosity and mystery, which is what I love in books, as I got so into it I couldn't put it down and kept on reading consistently with real intrigue!! It explores so many different themes such as family issues, culture, race, personal and social issues, as well as the various emotions and scenes being described that you can so clearly imagine, not to mention the amazing strength of creative writing in this, you can actually feel as if you are the main character herself, being brought into the story and brought along through her incredibly journey and adventure. I think to describe this book in one word, it'd have to be: [An] adventure. There is just so much to it it's amazing, and to think it managed to fit that all into a relatively short book. If only this book was adapted into a film!!! Arghh!!!!