The White Mountains

I just finished The White Mountains by John Christopher. I seem to be on a kick of suspenseful, fight-for-right books this summer: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Hunger Games, Peter and the Starcatchers, Interworld, and now this one. Although this story followed similar models of plot development, I enjoyed it as a quick read. I found it surprisingly well written, rarely boring, tedious, or confusing. About halfway through the book, I realized I wanted to write about it when the main character struggles with issues of freedom, responsibility, and comfort, and finds these distinctions more subtle than he imagined. I found it a solid introduction to these questions as well as issues of priorities and choices.
Never fear. The book is not nearly as philosophical nor as heavy as I've made it out to be. These were the deeper themes underneath a quick, enjoyable story. I don't want to reveal too much about the plot; there is a surprise that you will quickly discover, but reading the first chapter is much more enjoyable if you're not looking forward to that surprise. Suffice to say this book could be in the same category as, and would appeal to readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games and Scott Westerfield's Uglies series.