I'm a well read grad student who's bluntly honest about all things, although I try to be most honest about myself.
This is two stories, each about half of the book. The first story is about Pitt, another child from Resembool who grew up far too fast, for vastly different reasons than Ed and Al. He's also very similar to Ed, and always has been, and this comes out at the climax of the story. It's the catalyst for everything, and as a bonus, Pitt and Al have a moment where things clarify for the younger Elric brother.
It was a sweet story, the hint of bitterness gone by the end, as everyone learns more about themselves, and how to deal with life's hurdles. It was uplifting, and while this isn't the type of story I normally gravitate to, there was just something about it because I was utterly charmed by this story.
The second story started out not quite as well, which was surprising since it was about three of my favorite characters other than Al - Mustang, Hughes, and Alex Armstrong. However, it really picked up by the end. There was a moment where I saw exactly what Mustang was going to learn - and was pleased to find out I was correct. And that there was another twist I didn't see coming. At all.
Minus one star because the first part of the second story dragged a bit for me. I just didn't really enjoy it.