I have to agree with a previous reviewer that this book is both beautiful and heart-breaking. From the first few pages, I believed in and really felt for Derrick – his question – “why I am doing this to myself” – while cramming more dry and disgusting cookies into his mouth brought to life some insights into a compulsive eater. His distress at being bullied at school, his longing to make more of his friendship with the girl of his dreams and desperate disappointment over the behaviour and desertion of his former best friend. All this is going on in his life – and in addition he feels that coping with his sister’s depression – perhaps defeating it – in the form of the panther on the prowl – will somehow provide a way out. . The quality of the writing is remarkable – although this is marketed as a book for young people, there are many adults out there, like myself, who will recognise how it was to feel that you are trying to cope with a world over which you have lost control. There is no sentimental all-consuming happy ending – but it is a much finer novel for that. I cared about Derrick and his family – and still do – long after finishing the novel.