Recommended by Madison Williams.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles follows Gene Forrester, a 16 year old boy attending a prestigious boarding school during World War II. The novel details his close friendship with fellow boarder Finny. Their friendship quickly evolves from mutual admiration to intense rivalry culminating in a shocking event that explores the idea of moral ambiguity. Although published in 1959, A Separate Peace offers a timeless look at the intimate dynamics of friendship, while exploring the difficulties and triumphs of growing up. Knowles so well replicates the experience of attempting to find your true self. I have continuously been drawn back to this book because of its ability to make you relate to characters and their experiences that took place in a time so different than ours now.
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