Review: Deeply Intellectual
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2011
P. S. Baber uses his novel to show just how deeply and destructively outside forces can connect and combine with inner struggle to create the pleasure/pain state that humans tend to live in. Cassie and her best friend Amy set out to experience this maturation process together. They would come out on the other side of childhood together. At least one of them did not know what to expect.Baber examines life and the idea of what it takes to feel alive and vibrant. He also explores the ideas of love, happiness, hate and fear. Both Cassie and Amy have survived several extremely negative, destructive and terrifying events in their lives. One begins to hold out hope that the girls will make their journey--together, safe, and vibrant.  A twist in the plot allows Baber the opportunity to explore "dark side" of what it means to be human.While the basic story line of friendship, love and loyalty established, it is the idea of a "dark side" of human existence that makes the novel so riveting that one is reluctant to put it down once starting it. This novel is extremely laden with purposeful allegories and metaphors. It is at once deeply intellectual and spiritual; Baber mimics Socratic thinking and learning. Cassie and Amy often sit and engage in the type of conversations that most discussions would not consider. These two girls discuss the role and usefulness of God and the power of man to shape his own destinies.For readers who enjoy reading about and exploring the relationship between order and chaos, Cassie Draws the Universe is a must read.