Peter and Beth
Doug Lalli
Hats Off Books
ISBN: 1-58736-496-4
200 pages 

When I first started reading Peter and Beth by Doug Lalli, I assumed that it was a romantic novel; however, in actuality, it is a book about relationships and life.  As a former counselor, I always defined life as the sum total of an individual’s personal experiences—past, present, good, bad, and ongoing. In this intriguing novel, the author uses his skills to tell readers about the life of Peter, conveying the character’s emotions in a way that stirs the hearts and minds of readers.  We watch as Dr. Rhonda Millstein, a therapist, helps Peter deal with his obsession in regard to Beth, a friend from his college years. 

Peter, who lived in Manhattan, hadn’t seen Beth for over five years and thought it ironic that the sighting had occurred the very evening that he was on his way to his first therapy session.  Though he viewed Beth from a distance away as she was boarding a bus, he had no doubt as to her identity and was somewhat unnerved by the incident.  This set the stage for Peter to tell Dr. Millstein some intimate details about his past relationship with Beth.  He had been a virgin when the two of them had a one-time sexual encounter, a tryst that had destroyed their close friendship. Because he had been careless when it came to birth control, Beth was furious with him, letting him know that she considered him to be irresponsible. Also, she told him she was in mid-month and could have gotten pregnant. But Peter told Beth and himself that this was very unlikely.  What were the chances?   

Peter deliberately avoided Beth during finals and, once he was off to graduate school in another state, he tried to convince himself that the experience was behind him—the two were going their separate ways. However, during his therapy sessions, Peter’s obsession about whether or not he had fathered a child becomes apparent.  Since Beth is in New York, Dr. Millstein advises him to track her down and find out the truth.  Peter does this; however, there are some detours along the way before he finally receives and believes the facts.  At last the question that had consumed his thoughts for so long is answered.  But the answer and a subsequent tragedy brought about more questions concerning his relationship with Beth.  They became friends again, and since he was free after a failed marriage and Beth had remained single, they again reached out to one another in what Peter believed to be a magical night of love-making.   

The story takes place in the mid-seventies and is written with simplicity of style; it is refreshing not to have to work at reading a novel that is both insightful and enthralling.  As Peter describes his relationship with his father and some of his other childhood experiences, readers will have empathy, feeling the pain of his rejection . . . understanding why he finds it difficult to trust people . . . why he is afraid to love.  He appears to be lost as to who he is and what he wants out of life.  Although there is evidence of some personal growth in Peter’s life, readers won’t find the “happily-ever-after” ending for him that is long overdue.  But perhaps there will be a sequel, and the cycle of life will repeat itself with a different ending.  That’s me…a former publisher and a present-day author who is the eternal optimist. I highly recommend this novel; it is a MUST READ for both male and female adults.  

Bettie Corbin Tucker
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
www.bookreviewers.org 
10/09/06