I first read this when I was about 13, and remember liking it so much that I tracked it down. Its still a great read!!
Its funny when you re-read something as an adult though, as you understand lots of references you wouldn't have as a kid (Coleridge, Nureyev).
This was published in 1989, so some of the references to celebrities were retro (Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Saville!!)
Really enjoyed it! Now to track down my other teen obsession, Christopher Pike.....