Peter and Beth

Doug Lalli
Hats Off Books (2006)
ISBN 1587364964
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (8/06)

“Peter and Beth” opens in Manhattan when Peter sees a familiar woman from his past college years boarding a crosstown bus.  Peter has recently separated from his wife and works as a writer at a small publishing company.  Coincidentally enough, Peter is on his way to his first psychotherapy session with Rhonda when he sees the familiar woman named Beth.  Rhonda senses how deeply disturbing the sighting has been to Peter, so Peter shares with Rhonda the story of Beth and himself.

Five years previously Peter and Beth met at college and had a brief sexual encounter, and now Peter is obsessed with the belief that Beth may have gotten pregnant as a result.  Rhonda encourages Peter to seek Beth out to get some answers and to ease his mind.  Peter experiences an array of emotions with excitement when he sees Beth again, shock and wonder when little Amy runs into Beth’s arms crying for Mommy, and disappointment when a tall and handsome man, appearing to be a husband, also approaches the group.  Peter finally does get answers but not before a series of twists and turns, certain to keep the reader in suspense.

Author Doug Lalli’s first novel was inspired by an incident from his college days.  The chronicle of the occurrence is the inspiration behind “Peter and Beth.”Although Doug and Peter are not one and the same, Doug shares that Peter’s reactions in the story often mirror his own, for this gives Peter a feel of genuineness.  The book is a work of fiction.  It is about life and its cruel realities, as sometimes life is not easy but rather downright difficult to swallow.  “Peter and Beth” is about two individuals whose love for music fuels their initial meeting and the quest by Peter to find answers and understanding of what actually happened during their brief encounter.

Doug Lalli has written a book that I found enjoyable to read.  The projected audience would be mature adults of either gender.  The story takes place around the year 1975, so if you were a young adult during this time period, you might find it more relevant.  Be forewarned, if you are like me and desire a Walt Disney ending, you will not find it here.  Be ready to sympathize with the plight Peter is dealt.  Lalli is promising us more novels, and that is something to look forward to!

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