Dude I read it in 8th grade. That was close to 30 years ago. All I remember about the book was the rant about cigarette brands at the train station and some notions about selfishness being a moral good or some such nonsense. It didn't speak to me then, and every time I've been dared to read it I've been bored to sleep.

Now as for why I do this? This book creates such a wild reaction in people that it's an effective tool for sorting out radicals, purity commissars, and generally annoying people. And it works.

I don't actually care about the book. I don't understand why people care about the book. I care about keeping pains in the ass out of my life. And, let's be honest here, the feeling is clearly mutual with some of these people.

And people here clutching at pearls over a white lie?

People find ways to self select with all sorts of methods. Mine doesn't involve immutable characteristics, and I prefer it that way.