Petrucha, Stefan. Split

Petrucha, Stefan. Split
Walker & Co 2010 257p 16.99
978-0-8027-9372-0 hs Conflict VG

Wade leads two distinct lives: computer genius out to save the earth from destruction and slacker singer/song writer who is chased by loan sharks. The action is fast-paced, but the details of particle collider science may turn off some readers. Grades 9+.
Wade is a computer/math genius. He has an obsessive streak that causes him to search for perfection. He is also artistic, writing songs, playing guitar and singing. These personal characteristics collide shortly after his mother dies. His split personality becomes evident as he copes with the pressures in his life. The academically talented preppily dressed Wade works with a high school math and computer teacher to design a computer program that would simulate and check for errors in the research being done at a particle collider facility. Wade believes that the scientists at the research facility have overlooked a fatal flaw in their programming and that the collider will create strangelets that would cause the world to turn into a hot lump of strange matter. Espionage-like actions allow him into the facility to test his sim program. In a parallel universe/mind, Wade is a slacker singer/song writer who performs his material in a seedy bar in a poor area of town. He is shabbily dressed, often unwashed and in hock to loan sharks. Both worlds are inhabited by best friend Anthony and girlfriend Denby. Alternating chapters reveal the dual plot lines which ultimately converge with humor and fast-paced action. Those readers willing to suspend belief will be on the ride of their lives and root for both Wades.
Grades 9 +. Recommended especially for those students who like James Bond type action wrapped up in a tale of split personalities. Grades 9 and up. McNicol,Lois

The Rule of Won

Petrucha, Stefan The Rule of Won
Walker & Co 2008 227 16.99 9780802796516 ms/hs

If you read the book "The rule of Won" you life will change and you will get your hearts desire. Caleb the slacker read the book and followed along until things started going wrong! Now it seems it is up to him to right the wrongs before someone gets killed. Caleb Dunne is a slacker and enjoys being a slacker. Then the day came when he finds himself at the wrong at the wrong time. His school is rebuilding their gym and as Caleb out of curiosity goes to take a look the roof caves in, and in fear he runs... bad move. He is now persona-non-grata, and even his girlfriend is keeping her distance. Then she gives him a book to read called "The Rule of Won." Next thing Caleb knows he is involved in a movement that is taking the school by storm and creating a following the likes he has never seen, and the leader is a senior who believes he has power to change everything and he is making everyone believe they can change anything if they chant and meditate together. At first, Caleb kind of follows the movement if only to get his girlfriend back but then something terrible happens to one of the teachers who is really tuff in math and almost everyone has a hard time passing his class. At first, Caleb just thinks it is plain coincidence but then something else happens to set him to thinking that something is not right if people are getting hurt.

This is when Caleb the slacker stops being a slacker and mobilizes students to start thinking for themselves and stop following like sheep to a slaughter.
A touch of the supernatural but the real story is about how Caleb faces life and makes life changing decisions. M.Diaz