A Separate Peace

While I recall this book being very well written and purposeful in it's structure, my better recollection is how it affected me. While being told from an entirely masculine adolescent perspective, I found it both relatable and insightful. To me, it came across as an allegorical commentary on sociological dynamics and the human will.

The two main characters you follow are like a sampling of any segment of the population, with a sprinkling of universal teen angst and insecurity. You have a gung-ho charismatic Finny, who possesses leadership skills that he doesn't seem entirely aware of, and doesn't always use wisely. And then you have Gene, the introverted follower, who has difficulty taking personal responsibility for his actions in spite of his obvious intelligence. In the telling, I saw the classic struggle of human nature to either complement the strengths and weaknesses of those closest to us, or to resent them for their deviation from our own personality.

What struck me more than anything was the way the book presented the danger of nursing resentment. Gene eventually displays a sort of impulsive evil, the consequences of which he does not weigh in the moment of action. There is an obvious mortification with what a person is capable of, and yet, there is a clear comprehension of how they have arrived at that catastrophic place. For that, I consider this an enduringly important book.

Reader reviewed by Katie

I had to read this book for summer reading for Advanced English the summer before my freshman year. Usually when I have to read a book for school I don't like it. However, this one I did enjoy because I understood what was going on. Also things were fairly clarified after watching the movie, which I also recommend. This book is a representation of a trasnformation from youth to adulthood. Gene befriends Phineas and they start a club in which you have to jump out of a tree into the river. During this stunt, Finny shatters his leg and can no longer play sports which are very dear to him. This is where the transformations start and this soon leads to Finny's next accident in which he falls down the stairs and shatters his leg again, also mcausing his death. After this tragic experience, the is a huge transformation in Gene. This book has a lot of intensity in it. I highly recommend reading it and really taking it to heart. I think one of the most important things to take from A Separate Peace is to not take life for granted and to really give some thought to the things you do. You never know which breath is your last until its too late.

Reader reviewed by April

This book is perfect for teens in high school. It shows the internal conflict of a teen who is jealous of his best friend and the consequences of his feelings. He struggles against the jealousy, but loses terribly. And it turns out, his best friend was jealous of him too! What a surprise!

Reader reviewed by Amanda

A Separate Peace is a book containing an obvious theme of friendship and longing to belong, but also has a deeper meaning of a boy struggling to figure out who he is, and how to fit in in this world. A younger reader is able to appreciate the obvious, while the more careful reader will recognize hidden symbolism and themes that create a book of depth and meaning.

Reader reviewed by Rochelle

This book deals with so many things including friendship. The main character seems to be confused with everything until the very end. This book reflects the author's life. The end is sad, but everything works out in the end.