Ripples

Although this coming-of-age novel emerges as an updated version of A Separate Peace , the book's stereotypical characters and strained symbolism make it somewhat less enticing than John Knowles's classic. Narrator Brenton Heathersfield recalls his boyhood hero worship of superathlete Christian Streizer, a handsome, fearless boy with an ego as large as his talent for sports. Christian's frailties do not come to light until his 18th summer, when he and Brenton take jobs in Ocean City, Md. The young man's condescending attitude annoys Brenton, who nonetheless continues to look up to his friend as someone extraordinary--until an act of betrayal and a fatal accident confirm Christian's vulnerability. Structured as a series of flashbacks, this first novel introduces some significant themes about self-discovery and the realization of dreams. Ultimately, however, the plot is too predictable and some ideas are overstated. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)