I remember that I really liked this book clear up until "It" happened! Where the Red Fern Grows is the saddest book I think I've ever read in my life! I've also avoided this book since I read it in elementary school about 30 years ago! My poor husband was not familiar with this story at all, and one day within the last year or so he sat down to watch the movie. I understand he cried like a baby. Apparently he is now emotionally scarred by this story, too!