BOULDER, Colo., July 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ah, the joys of adolescence: raging hormones; young love; the emergence of oft-irritating phrases, such as "whatever," and what seems to be the sudden plummet of intelligence in everyone around them (or so they often think), especially their family. In the new novel Circle of Friends (now available through 1stBooks), a close-knit group of 13-year-olds struggles to retain their childhood bonds, while dealing with the conflicts of this difficult time of transition.
With a flair for authentic storytelling, author River Cocco introduces the three central characters, Jake, Sarah and Darrin, and the supporting characters, Alyssa, Ben and Stella, all best friends since kindergarten. Looking forward to entering Skyview High in another year, the group begins eighth-grade, completely unaware of the cold dose of reality about to "rock" their innocence and security.
With the "freedom" of summer behind them, students settle into their school routine; familiar sounds -- lockers slamming, giggly gossiping and teachers lecturing -- fill the air once more. However, Jake, Sarah, Darrin and the rest of the gang soon learn that their last year of junior high won't be quite as typical as they might have guessed. Barely more than children, the group must face powerful emotions, vexing situations and even death.
As a member of the group clings tenuously to life, the others must prioritize what's truly important, challenge their beliefs about family and friendship and ask deep questions: "What does it mean to be a friend? How do you trust someone who betrays you? What makes life worth living when you lose the people and things that mean the most to you?" Confronted with a whirlwind of questions without concrete answers, the teens must discover their own identities and, ultimately, the value of true friendship.
With realistic characters and episodes both teens and adults can relate to, Cocco's novel illustrates the difficulties and emotions faced by everyday teenagers and stresses the importance of friendship in the face of adversity.
Circle of Friends is the author's debut novel and the first in a series of books chronicling the escapades of the same colorful group of characters. Having been a grade school teacher, scuba instructor and chiropractor, Cocco is "thrilled" to have discovered a way to entwine her two "favorite things in life: writing and teenagers."
When not "banging away at the computer," Cocco enjoys running, hiking and biking. She currently resides in Boulder, Colo., with her husband, two children and dog.
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