Set in an all boys boarding school in 1982 after a tragedy has happened: 4 boys are goofing off and drinking down at a near-by lake when one dives in from a tall rock, hits his head, and drowns. Alex (our main guy) is racked with guilt about not saving his friend. He starts to write down what happened and what is happening in the aftermath... (and about his crush on the English teacher, and his dream of being a writer.) Clay already took the fall for the alcohol, but Glenn and Alex aren't sure that it's completely over, especially when the female English teacher starts asking questions. Alex also starts questioning whether Glenn's paranoia is really just about the alcohol, or is there more to it??

This was a hard one for me to review.... On one hand I could totally see why it was nominated for the William C. Morris Award for Debut Authors because the writing is beautiful. Really great, almost too good for YA. But on the other hand, did I really like the actual story? I don't know. I mean it was okay, but did it really go anywhere? I feel like nothing really changed from beginning to end. I'm left with the same feeling about Alex, and I feel like he hasn't moved on either.

The setting through me off in that I didn't really understand the reasoning behind it being set in the 80's. And the gay stuff was a little bit confusing.

It was a beautifully written book, but I guess I wished there was more closure at the end. The author never said if what was suspected of Glenn was actually true. And did Miss Dovecott really have feelings for Alex like he did her? She went on and on about how he was special, but did that romantic line get crossed in her mind?

I think it would've been better if the book was Alex writing about this incident as a grown man looking back. Then all the adult-like prose would've made more sense, and maybe we would've found out more about what really happened, or at least had a perspective of someone who has had the time to reflect on it.
This is definitely a reader's novel. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't love reading because it is full of symbolism and other literary stuff. While it is fairly short, it's not a quick read because of those things. ( )

At the beginning of his junior year at a boys' boarding school, 16-year-old Alex is devastated when he fails to save a drowning friend. When questioned, Alex and his friend Glenn, who was also at the river, begin weaving their web of lies. Plagued by guilt, Alex takes refuge in the library, telling his tale in a journal he hides behind Moby-Dick. Caught in the web with Alex and Glenn is their English teacher, Miss Dovecott, fresh out of Princeton, who suspects there's more to what happened at the river when she perceives guilt in Alex's writing for class. She also sees poetic talent in Alex, which she encourages. As Alex responds to her attention, he discovers his true voice, one that goes against the boarding school bravado that Glenn embraces. When Glenn becomes convinced that Miss Dovecott is out to get them, Alex must choose between them.
http://bookduck.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-paper-covers-rock-by-jenny.html
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A review on the cover relates this novel to A Separate aPeace- a novel I thoroughly love. But, that is not a connection I make here. They are both set in a boarding school and there is a death- end of comparison. This novel has its own story, and I enjoyed it. The author weaves poetry in with references to Melville, Hemingway, and other greats while she crafts a story of coming to terms with tragedy and guilt and the choices we make. ( )

Sensitive portrayal of a boy coping with the accidental death of his best friend. Terrific writing and the glorification of literature/writing/books is an added bonus.

Alex's best friend has died as a result of a diving accident at the local swimming hole. The boys had been drinking. Alex's role in the death is further complicated by doubts about the resuscitation and rescue efforts. In sum: Alex is carrying a load of guilt. He writes in a secret journal and his words help him cope but can only carry him so far. He can't talk to anyone for fear of being outed for the drinking (and expelled). In fact, he and his surviving friends conspire to cover-up and set up several fall guys for the incident ("The Plan"). Added to the mix is the fact that his English teacher (a mad crush) has witnessed part of the accident. How much does she know? How can they silence her?

In addition to the fine writing, "The Plan" as it unfolds creates a nice thread of suspense. The book is also a true-to-life look at a boy's first love (again, on his English teacher) the loss of innocence / coming of age. The author captures beautifully the climate of a boys boarding school (i.e., the male culture)

Alex's crush is sensitively handled but obviously carries a sexual component (he has erections; dreams of seducing her, etc.) Further, there is some hints of homosexual experimentation and name-calling (see "male culture" above!) All of this might rattle a few cages but, in this reader's estimation, is essential to the believability of the story.

Highly recommended. ( )

Set in a boarding school in 1982, Hubbard tackles young, male boarding school beliefs, and honor codes. Thomas drowns shortly after his 17th birthday, with the only witnesses being his friends Clay, Alex and Glenn. While trying to cover up their involvement, the boys learn that their favorite English teacher was also there. Alex wants to tell the truth, as he's in love with her, but can't bring himself to go against Glen and his plan. Under Glenn's tutelage, The Plan to get rid of the evidence, even if it means getting rid of their souls in the process, begins to fall into place. Hubbard's writing is disjointed at times, jumping from past to present, full of literary characters and references which all combine to keep the reader off-balanced proving good doesn't always win over bad. ( )