What do you think of pic related?

A female flirt of mine recommended that I read it, and I, in turn, recommended a book for her to read. The idea is that we'll meet and talk about the books. I realize it sounds like the start of a bad romantic comedy, but that's what we decided to do instead of a classic date.

Anyway, I just finished reading this book and I'm not quite sure what all the hype was about. I mean, apparently it has gotten a lot of praise, but I'm unsure why. Is it because it doesn't have a happy ending like most YA? Is it the language, or the fact that it takes about five minutes to read?

I recently finished The Grapes of Wrath, and man, that book made me feel. I'm not really sure what I am supposed to feel after reading this YA book. I'd probably have preferred some classic romance YA instead. What are some nice things I can say about the book when I meet the girl?