Philip S. (pogosmith) - reviewed on 2/7/2008 + 20 more book reviews

Amanda teaches high school literature.

Something strange is going on and seems to be centered on Juan the new
science teacher, a young straight-laced man who is "by the book". He is
having difficulty achieving rapport with the high school class and with
the seniors in particular.

Amanda teaches many of the same students and becomes drawn into a
conflict that she cannot discern, at least as to origin and essential
nature. Things become serious when there is an explosion in the lab and
Juan is critically injured.

The story becomes more sinister and personal to Amanda by degrees and
reaches a climax with a cadre of seniors on the school rooftop in a
drama exceeding all expectations.

A very easy read. Written in a flowing style. Clever plot. I would
have wanted to make the plot move forward more deliberately if I were
writing. She enriches the story with lots of detail and possibly
unnecessary sub-stories.

Someone asked me whether it was more of a fully developed novel than a mystery. I responded that... a more fully developed drama. However, I wouldn't really think it interesting enough as drama without the mystery. It is too chatty, I would say for my taste when I am reading for the unfolding of the mystery. Also, I don't really think it is that good as a mystery. It is best when viewed as a social drama with the central theme being "First Amendment Rights". She uses literature, especially Shakespeare and other classics, to evoke the theme that fits our time. A self-outed teen gay is part of this puzzle. Caligula is one of the most significant figures from classical literature. The heroin's greatest triumph is in seeing her teaching work within the context of the lives and the understanding of the students. Albeit, the students themselves may be oblivious to the connections.

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