So, reading the last 25 pages on the subway on the way to work? Really bad idea. Trying to keep from blubbing (so to speak) all over my neighbors was a trial that I mostly failed at.
So much better than a lot of the YA schlock out there, this really transcends the genre. A passing interest in World War Two *or* aircraft is recommended, but on the other hand, this book might help to inspire interest in either of those things.
A well-crafted novel to experience and live, and although I didn't find it to be perfect, it deserves each and every one of those 5 stars.