Rating: 
Summary: A Classic
Review: I highly recommend that everyone who reads this book take their time and savor every page. It is an eloquent, thoughtful novel that deftly explores the nature of evil as it resides in all of us. Phineas is a moving, memorable character that embodies the peace, compassion, and fulfillment all of us strive for. Unfortunately, he is almost too good, and that, in a way, kills him. Gene's self-hatred and insecurity make him an everyman (I'd say he represents each one of us), and unfortunately those characteristics inherent in us all manifest themsevles in an act of thoughtless violence that ultimately destroys Phineas. The story is a parable, warning us to guard that part of us that has a tendency towards "evil" and is set against the backdrop of War, the ultimate evil that happens when we let the less noble qualities of our character get the better of us. I found it a profound comment on the human condition and a subtle, yet effective, prodding to listen to our better instincts and live compassionate lives.
Rating: 
Summary: "A Separate Peace"
Review: This book, "A Separate Peace," is one of the worst books I have ever read. I can honestly say that I could not understand the concept and the book to me was very hard to understand. I would actually recommend finding another book to read. The only good chapters in this book were the second and the eleventh. I am just trying to be honest.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: Great characters, great story, and wonderful pacing make this not only a beautifully-written book, but a great read as well. And the two don't always go hand-in-hand.The most striking thing about this novel is its pacing and story line, for Knowles builds his plot from the ground up. The writing is reminicent of McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD or Fitzgerald's GREAT GATSBY, though those books have completely different plots and characters. But all great books have certain things in common, and A SEPARATE PEACE is certainly a great book. Emotional, and yet restrained and subtle, this major work of fiction is a must for anyone interested in good writing. Also recommended: McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD and Steinbeck's EAST OF EDEN
Rating: 
Summary: A Seperate Peace Review by Nick Morris
Review: A Seperate Peace
By John Knowles
N. Morris
P.5 This book is about two boys who are at a boarding school. They are about 16 years old and one is named Phineas (Phinny for short), the other Gene. It takes place during World War 2. Phineas is athletic and is a daredevil. Gene is smart but hangs back a lot of the time. Since it is the summer, they play outside a lot. One day, when Gene and Phineas are both in a tree, about to jump into a river, Phineas falls out and breaks his leg. A lot of events go on after that. Later on in the story, Phineas comes back to the school and trys to get along normally. Its different for him, now that he can't play sports or anything. While trying to go down some stairs late at night, Phineas falls and shatters his leg. Once again, a lot of events occur. At the end of the story, Phineas dies because his heart stops in the middle of an operation. Gene is sad, but gets on with his life.
I disliked this book because it had way too many words in it that I didn't understand. The book went sort of slow, there wasn't a lot of action or adventure.
"But once you passed through the Colonial doorways, with only an occasional fan window or low relief pillar to suggest that a certain muted adornment was permissible, you entered an extravaganza of Pompadour splendor. ?.......... See what I mean when I say I don't know what the heck some of the words mean? "Naw, he's a Kraut." I have no idea what a Kraut is.
My favorite part of the book was when Phineas died, not beacause I like it when people die, but because it was a very big surprise. I would've never thought that would've happened.
Rating:
Summary: very well written book
Review: this book is a very well written book, and it makes you want to read it. The plot is kind of a shabby one but it is central to this story (though I feel that WW2 is more of a central issue in the story). This book isn't as exciting as the cover makes you think but it is a good read and it teaches some good lessons about friendship
Rating:
Summary: John Knowles...an author's author
Review: To be frank...John Knowles in my DOG. This book, set in New Hampshire at a boy's prep school, Devon, in 1943 and 44, is beautful. Of course as you guys know, I'm drawn to the more cerebral and for those who share we intrest this is the perfect (as if you didn't know). The best part about this book is the fact that it truly has multiple themes, conflicts, climaxes and crisise. Thusly, it's the essential auther's book, making John Knowles and author's author. Gene and Phineas, offer us two classic charcters as well as some of the most believible fictious people I have read about. Phineas, the innocent athelet, and Gene the matured convelescent can be found in every person. One of my favorite parts about the book was asking my self "hmm, who am I more like?", hoping to be more of Phineas but at the same time not really. I wanted to be mature, but Gene's maturity is his limp, his blemish. Then after realizing this I found myself thinking about how glad I am to not be at a boarding school or a rich WASP in 1943. To the person who want's to read this book based off of my review (and you should), I have one guide line, everything is just as, if not more symbolic then you think. It's pretty blaitant John Knowles set out to write a book that was mircocasmical and symbolic on almost every page. I would give "A Seperate Peace" and easy perfect grade. I'll probibly start to read it again in a week or so...
Rating: 
Summary: Review-The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver
Review: The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver, is a tale about the experiences of a lady named Marietta Greer. Ms Greer is leaving her childhod home of Pittman Kentucky for her personality does not allow her to fit in. She heads west with a barely running Volkswagen Bug, determined to change her name as soon as she reaches the first place she stops at. She ends up in Taylorville. Now Taylor Greer, she drives through the Cherokee Nation area of Oklahoma and her car breaks down. This is where an abused, abandoned baby girl is unloaded upon her. She names the child Turtle because of the baby's grip. Taylor and Turtle drive on together. Challenged with unexpected motherhood and two flat tires, Taylor arrives at Jesus Is Lord Used Tires in Tucson, Arizona. The tire shop is run by a woman named Mattie. The shop also serves as a safe house for Central American refugees. Mattie gives Taylor moral support and a job. Taylor learns that her own troubles are small compared to those of Estevan and Esperanza, a couple who had to give up their daughter and are fleeing from both a Guatemalan rebels and the I.N.S. As the result of a newspaper ad looking for a roommate, Taylor now lives with Lou Ann Ruiz and her baby boy. Lou Ann's husband has left her and Lou Ann is without any confidence or self-esteem. Ironically, Lou Ann is from the same area of Kentucky as Taylor. They find comfort in each other's spirited, Kentucky dialect and share the burdens of new motherhood. Taylor's relationship with Turtle grows. Her relationships with Mattie, Estevan and Esperanza also grow. The story climaxes as Taylor risks her own safety to transport Estevan and Esperanza to a church/safe house in Oklahoma. While there, Estevan and Esperanza pose as Turtle's parents to allow Taylor to legally adopt the child. The struggles of the human condition are resolved for the time being in the lives of those Taylor has touched. Taylor discovers a new appreciation for everyday miracles and a new definition for family.
Rating: 
Summary: BORING ALERT!!!
Review: This book has to be the lousiest ive ever read. its boring, has a pointless plot and is a plain waste of time.
Im not the only one, my entire english class agreed unanimously that it sucked.
take my advice and AVOID it.
Rating:
Summary: Innocence to Evil
Review: "A Separate Peace" is about a friendship acquired by two boys while attending an elite prep school in New Hampshire. The two boys, Gene and Phineas, are drawn to each other by magnetic forces. The boys remain friends throughout many hardships, and begin to live through each other to excape from their own reality. John Knowles' use of the theme from innocence to evil is a brillant use of literary devices. The theme throughout the novel allows the reader to feel Gene's battle within theirselves. The battle allows the reader to comtemplate Gene's own battle: if it is against himself or against Phineas. It allows the reader to recall their own memories of childhood as the grow from innocence to adulthood filled with evils. The novel is written like a diary, but does not reveal too much of Gene's emotions and leaves the reader full of suspense. The use of these literary devices in this novel are brillant making the novel have a deeper meaning, and therefore making it one of the best I've ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Awful
Review: I had to read this book for my English class. It's the worst book I've ever read! It's boring and predictable. I fell asleep several times reading. I would've given it 0 stars if the system let me. Only read this book if you have to.
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