ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

In this debut novel, a classic theme from science fiction is combined with teen romance, and the result is emotionally riveting, if not scientifically convincing. The chapters switch back and forth between the points of view of two characters, a young man and woman. The two narrators, Lauren Ambrose and Carlos Santos, sound precisely as one imagines the characters to be. The plot involves a generational starship in which humankind lives and copes with the problem of sub-light travel, which takes hundreds of years between each star. There’s mystery, history, and social commentary. And teen angst all over the place. What a mix! D.R.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]