If Jonathan Lethem [winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award] wrote an adaptation of West Side Story without the musical numbers, it might look something like this character-driven novel. Set in 1970s New York with references to Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen, the plot centers on a high school production of Romeo and Juliet. The cast includes a charismatic drug dealer, his loyal best friend, and two sisters from a strict religious family. With frequent passages interpreting Shakespeare''s play in the context of the teens'' lives, the novel''s central question is how far will fate take these characters in emulating Shakespeare''s legendary lovers? With scenes including accidental urination and vomiting during intimate acts, LSD trips, and intense exchanges between drug dealers, the novel doesn''t follow Shakespeare too closely. The most compelling character is the delinquent Mickey Shea, known for his debauchery and inebriation. A natural as an actor, he''s also capable of violence and pure romantic love. Mick''s impossible love affair with young Terri Rafter forms the backbone of the work. Not only is the novel a compelling exploration of young love, it''s a gripping piece of storytelling. -Publishers Weekly