this is an amazing anti-depressant. on the one hand it is the story of this really sad and depressed guy with a warped attitude in life, yet it is his innocence masked by his arrogance that is so touching. it is about this simple man with simple dreams and simple frustrations...someone like any of us! it is this simplicity that is so beautifully extraordinary. well the most emotional scene is when he breaks phoebe's cassette...i almost cried. the author is so powerful when it comes to playing with words and situations that a simple cassette breaking can bring tears to one's eyes. hats off.