Gil Marsh

Gr 9 Up—Popular, athletic, and good looking, Gil Marsh is at the top of the pecking order at Uruk High until Enko Labette arrives from Quebec. At first, he threatens Gil's status, but after Gil gets over his jealousy, the two become best friends. After Enko is quickly lost to aggressive leukemia, his body is returned to Quebec before Gil has a chance to say a proper goodbye. The grieving teen is determined to go in search of his friend's grave, though what he really wants is to have Enko back. During his journey, he is beaten, robbed, and cheated, but he also experiences the compassionate side of humanity as he wrestles with thoughts of life and death. If the strange names, the story of male friendship, and mythological quest sound familiar, it's because Bauer is retelling the epic of Gilgamesh, supposedly the oldest story every written. This contemporary version is loosely based on the legend, with names, places, and elements throughout that echo the original. The novel is plot-driven and retains a mythlike quality. A worthy addition.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA