A Separate Peace

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Summary: A boy's struggles as an adolescent during WW2.
Review: After a high recommendation from a friend, I started this book with high expectations. Much to my surprise, the feelings that emerged after I finished this novel exceeded my expectations. I was definitely able to relate to the story of a Gene's difficulties dealing with pressures of competition, guilt, and uncertainty on the meaning of war. The author touched on feelings and experiences that are familiar to me as a teenager, and reading the novel was an amazing and beneficial experience in itself.

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Summary: Great read
Review: I am a teenager and I read this book after it was assigned to me in my English class. I have to applaud my high school for finally choosing a book that can give an accurate view of teenage relationships. Gene and Finny have a bond that is truly unique and you can draw innumerable parallels from the book to your life. This book either lets you relive your childhood or delve into your soul about your current predicament. READ THIS BOOK.

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Summary: Knowles greatest work, stands as a tower of US listerature
Review: This book, after all this time, remains touching, explorative, explosive, and poignant. This book truly has few faults... stunningly, it reminds me of being written not by a 40s grown American but instead an Englishman. A wonderful tragedy, about the nature of life, friendship, loss, and the search for meaning and truth in our youth.

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Summary: A great book for many
Review: I read this book in November 1998. I picked it up for an English class, and didn't ever think of finishing it. Until I read the first couple of chapters. John Knowles got you involved with the book right from the start. By the end I was not confused with any of it. Seriously I didn't think this would be a book that would interest me, because I'm not into wars and history, but this was different. It was a sad but good ending, that I really didn't understand, because I thought it was dumb, but overall, it was great.

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Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I read this book in high school and have just reread it 20 years later. John Knowles' writing style is very poetic and enjoyable. I believe you are very vulnerable during your teenage years to be swayed by others instead of developing your own personality. For some teenagers, it's harder than others. The Phineas's of the world,although not intentionally,can overwhelm the Gene's by the strength of their personality. Gene in a confused way understood this and could not break away from the presence of Phineas unless he destroyed him. We all need to be true to ourselves but hopefully we won't destroy others on the way. Phineas is the perfect teenager that others wish they could be like. His fearlessness and confidence toward the world are enviable traits to anyone. You can't help but to love Phineas and wish that he could be your friend.

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Summary: It's OK. (Really It Is)
Review: It's an OK book. I've read it in my 10th grade Honors English class last year and it's a good book. I mean it's nothing extraordinary, but it's something that keeps you interested. If you're "reading for pleasure" I wouldn't recommend it. I would recommend "Whoopi Goldberg Book" because that's a tight book.

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Summary: No! NO! NOT SEPARATE PEACE!
Review: Not only does this book drag on and on, the middle is a vast expanse of nothing, which might symbolize some WWII battlefeild. Gene and Finny are the worst pairing and all the charactors seem crazy, not just Leper. Don't read this book unless your english teacher makes you!

Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: This is a very good novel, that many people young and old may identify with if they have ever felt in anyone's shadow. However, despite its poignancy, I do not feel that it is a great novel, and I can't really think of the words to say why, as is sometimes the case when trying to explain the difference between good and great. Maybe it just doesn't have the je ne sais quoi. Others may find it excellent.

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Summary: A beautifull written classic American coming-of-age story.
Review: John Knowels captures the inner struggle of growing up in a world of turmoil. WWII provides and excellent backdrop for Gene's quest to understand himself and his best friend through the simultaneous competition and need for belonging so inherent in the high school years. A Seperate Peace is a compelling comparison to Cathcher in the Rye as both main characters look inward, one with fifteen years of perspective and one in the midst of adolescence, to understand the world that shapes them.

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Summary: Excellent, moving book teenagers can identify with.
Review: When I read this book, I was a teenager in a competitive school environment, and found this moving and well-written novel especially relevant. It was inspiring, emotional, and a wonderful read. Any teenager will understand the complexities of the friendship between Gene and Finny -- and the dynamic of their relationship may, perhaps, lead readers to think more deeply about their own lives and friendships. I recommend this book with no reservations.