A Separate Peace

Rating:
Summary: Well developed characters make this book.
Review: Even with high school far behind in our past, A Separate Peace can evoke the frustration and pain of the process of becoming an adult. Against the backdrop of the waning days of War World II and the end of their schoolboy days, Gene and Finney approach life so differently that it is hard to imagine them as best friends. It is this incongruity that tests Gene. Jealous of the ease with which Finney handles life, he acts out and tests the strength of that friendship, as well as his own inner strength. As with the war, the true business of reaching a satisfying peace comes after the battles have ended.

Rating:
Summary: A dull book that turned out to be quite interesting
Review: I've read this book all the way through. I didn't know if I would make it, because of how dull and simple it starts out. Later on, with all the events happening with Gene and Phineas, the book kept me reading. It had a sad ending, but I guess that's normal for a war book. It's good, but not perfect.

Rating:
Summary: I thought it was wonderful!
Review: I really enjoyed this novel, and though it is short, one should take their time. I had to read it for my english class, and we must read each book twice, and the second time was so much better. It seems that a lot of people who reviewed this novel couldnt stand to read it a second time, but there is so much symbolism, and many small details that are wonderful to catch, that the second time is very rewarding!

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Summary: This was an incredibly, sophisticatedly insightful novel.
Review: Two boys boarding at Devon, a school affected by World wars one and two and how they deal with the changes invading their peaceful lives. How they come to terms with what is happening to them... How they deal with the pressures of being in "...a world like this." I read this book because of a grade eight novel study project... I will read it again someday... After I have broadened my vocabulary! Have an open mind, and don't be scared off by the horrible cover!

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Summary: Boring book teachers make high school students read
Review: I am a sophomore in high school and my advanced english class read this book recently. I found it hard to read and very uninteressting. I have heard such wonderful things about John Knowles and I was excited to read this book. I, however, was horribly disapointed. It took place during World War II but the war played a minor part in the book. It was the story of a boy growing up at an all boys school. He was in a hateful realtionship with his best friend and he had on and off friendships with others. I realize this book is fiction but it was so far from reality it made the book sound just plain stupid. I don't recommend this book to any younger then 30 yrs old. It is much too complicated and depressing. A Separate Peace deals with some issues that younger readers just can't understand To those of you who got through this book and enjoyed it . . . congratulations, you have my respect. And for all you high school teacher who are reading this. . .you might want to concider a diffrent book for you classes to read.

Rating:
Summary: A book about the struggle of one boys transiton to manhood.
Review: The book had a great story line. It was very believeable in general. The only thing I would change is the ending.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: In my view, this book is as close to Salinger as anyone has come yet. Knowles uses increadible depth and detail in this wonderful story.

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Summary: This book perfectly represented the danger of insecurity.
Review: This book was extremely realistic. The characters reacted to each situation with such true human reflex and emotion. The overall message I felt the novel portrayed was the danger and vainness of human jealousy and insecurity. It realistically described how destructive we can be when we allow our own insecurities to command us and take control. This book was enthralling and kept me reading. A definate classic!!

Rating:
Summary: I really did not like this book
Review: I was required to read this book for class, and I really did not like it. The plot itself is interesting, but the author's style of writing is especially tedious.

Rating:
Summary: Deep, Moving, Very Symbolic
Review: I read this book in about two weeks, taking lots of time to read it slowly and think about it a lot. It was very good, very sad, and well-written. But I think a lot of parts will go over people's heads. Take time to read it slowly. I liked the ending and the last two paragraphs are good in summing up all of the book's hidden meaning.