I felt the same way. The plot itself is heavy and depressing, but the book felt so magical and immersive, I couldn't help but be happy while reading it. It's one of those few books I can confidently say I'll be keeping for the rest of my life to reread every now and then.

I'm pretty sure they sell new copies as well, when they are available. They ship in plastic mailers, but I've never had any issues with the books arriving in bent or otherwise in bad condition.