I don't know.... it's a classic ok. It isn't written well nor is it entertaining or interesting. It doesn't have a plot line or any development to speak of. The characters are all strange and interchangeable. I work with addicts and use this book now to emphasize the defense mechanisms in addicts by reading a few passages in group therapy. The main character is not very likeable or interesting. The things he says/thinks about the effect of drugs or medication on the human body are SIMPLY WRONG and DANGEROUS and for readers not easily detected as such (at least I think)