In the Break

When high school student Jamie finally loses his cool with his abusive stepfather, the resulting fight puts his stepfather in the hospital and puts Jamie on the run. He's joined by his sister and his best friend, Juan, who steals his mom's car for the jaunt to Mexico. Reader Ramon de Ocampo provides distinctive voices for each of the three kids, painting a picture of each teen's struggle to reach adulthood. Woven generously through the story is an account of the California surfing scene, and de Ocampo lends spirit to the author's joyful descriptions of the pursuit of the perfect wave. Parents might want to preview this book as it includes frank descriptions of drug use and sexual encounters. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine