Oh my gosh this is my kind of book. Dark with a youthful lens. Yeah, the story gets spooky/dark at times, and it isn't completely a YA (rather, it's centered around a tween), but it truly is a read for most everyone. David struggles with OCD and his mother's death - all too real themes - and then merges with the fantasy world and gives the reader tons of characters to laugh at, be scared by...the list goes on. The writing too was beautiful, scenes were vivid, characters were well-described, and the pace/tone was perfect. I love blending our real world and all the struggles with the fantasy world and all the struggles there, and though this book is perhaps intended for a more mature audience, the fact that it is told through the perspective of a 12 year old makes it a read that even teens can get behind if they don't mind slightly darker parts (which I don't think many do). Love this book.