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CM . . .
. Volume X Number 2. . . . September 19, 2003
excerpt: I take Kenny's hand and we walk across the lawn onto the street. I'll pay for decking Spider, but I still hold a couple of aces. I know who stole the Mustang. I know whose garage likely holds a big stock of hot parts and tools. I don't want to rat, but this is gonna get dirty. When Miles Derkach is caught in a stolen car, his life changes completely. He is annoyed that he allowed himself to be put in the situation, and he is disappointed in his friends, Larry and Spider, who left him to take the blame. The judge who sentences Miles believes he was not alone; therefore, he suspends Miles' driver's license for 90 days and sentences him lightly, giving him one hundred hours of community service. Miles is fortunate to be placed with the Barniers to work his community service hours. He does not mind spending time away from home, as he is having trouble dealing with his mom's relationship with her boyfriend, Jeff, and what seems to Miles as their inevitable marriage. Ned Barnier is a retired hot-rodder who needs help around the house after suffering a stroke. To Miles' delight, Ned also enlists his help in returning his 1937 Ford coupe to prime condition for the upcoming car rally. Miles and his girlfriend, Mackenzie, aka "Kenny," both dedicate considerable free time to ensure the car is driving at peak performance. When the car is stolen the day before the rally, Miles is the prime suspect. Miles, who is sure he knows who the real thief is, goes to confront his former friends and retrieve Mr. Barnier's car. Fastback Beach does a superb job of illustrating the struggles teenagers go through when there is a conflict between what they believe is right and what their friends are doing. This is the story of an adolescent becoming an adult, making decisions, and dealing with the consequences of his actions. Highly Recommended. Deanna Einarson is a teacher at Springfield Collegiate Institute in Oakbank, MB.
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