Normally, I've relied on my music and writing to energize me and provide catharsis. Now I'm deriving satisfaction from social acceptance. My sister says, "You can't rely on other people to make you happy."
Alright you asked "why?", my short answer: Because I believe in God and what he promies in the Bible. I can go more in depth but I don't want to make you uncomfortable or something because I know some people don't like talking about this stuff.
I had a similar reaction to it. On one hand I felt the book was written for a younger crowd (I'm in my late 20s), but nonetheless the emotional currents it developed and the narrative style itself drew me in. I didn't want to put it away. I read a lot less now than I used to, but it's so wonderful to read a good book when it comes along.