A Separate Peace

by John Knowles

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

This book tends to get a bad rap because of it being assigned academically, but I remember liking it then, and I like it now. It's a good book the read slowly and think over. You don't really like any of the characters, but the topics are compelling and there's a level of tension in the story as we follow Gene and wait for his truth to be revealed.

Books with an uncertain ending are among the most interesting, and A Separate Peace is one of those. It's a book that evokes conversation, despite its lack of diversity in characters or setting. As such, it's not one that I would reach for often, but it's good for thinking over from time to time. I'd recommend it based on its classic status and conversations, contemplative qualities. A Separate Peace is a book worth reading, even while it's not one most people would shout from the mountain tops about.