Too Cool

In this novel about a rebel without a cause — but with plenty of gripes — Brenna captures the imploding energy of an intelligent teenager with nothing to lose. After escaping from reform school, Elbert Earl Evans — nicknamed Triple E — steals a car, then flees through the wintry Colorado Rockies with his girlfriend. When the two get trapped in a blizzard and face possible death, Triple E remembers how his cow-slaughtering dad, boxing coach, and sexy English teacher let him down, and feels repentant for his violent ways. But at the disappointing finale, Too Cool's deeper question — is there hope for this guy? — is evaded with the same facility with which Triple E dodges the law. B-