It wasn't the greatest story that I've read; the plot itself is rather simple, but the narrator is a likeable character and is really what redeemed a book that I think would be otherwise only mildly interesting. I will most likely not be continuing the series unless we do it as part of the book club. Still have a lot of Philip K. Dick to read.
So I shouldn't be discouraged from reading it but also, I should not be overly excited... Sound about right?
Yeah. Its not along the lines of Enders Game or Do Android's Dream of Electric Sheep and other stories that have a lot more plot to offer, but its a plot that is functional, and the story is more about the characters. It reminds me a lot of the EU book "I, Jedi" which is underappreciated. Again with that, the story is simple but the characters are strong and it is ultimately worth the read. So yes, in many words, exactly what you said.
If done properly, I'll bet it would make a fun movie.