John Knowles is a genius! His use of the seemingly unimportant details to reveal the many smaller philosophies, which are all connected to the book's broader meaning, makes this novel a masterpiece. Though he reminds me a little of Golding, Knowles has his own brilliant method of writing which surpasses many others I have read. He provokes thought like Socrates through his often overlooked comparisons, asking us what we think of it all. There are many tributaries leading off of the book main philosophical vein, a vein of black but pretty matter. The section where Gene feels ghostly unattached to his surroundings while walking brings to mind the Smashing Pumpkins' song "Blank Page". The final comparison of youth to the military jeeps makes one go "aha!" in a strangely passive way. 5 stars! Never a boring book.