I love the Coming of Age stories because they introduce a new environment/universe without the awkwardness of lots and lots of exposition. The reader gets to experience the newness along with the character. I'm an adventurous sort and I tend to get into the character's life as a vicarious thrill.

Now - if their voice is really whiny, really depressed (Thomas Covenant), or just plain annoying (that kid from Catcher in the Rye), I just don't LIKE them. I finish the book anyway but
it ain't my favorite.

I'm trying to think of a favorite. Do they have to be 1st person? Crystal Singer was great. Fledgling of course. Have Spacesuit Will
Travel...loved that as a high schooler.