The 25th Hour

 The 25th Hour by David Benioff

Set on the day before he is to report to a federal prison in Otisville, NY, this book tells the story of Monty,

his friends, and family as they prepare for his upcoming 7-year absence after a conviction on a drug charge. There is Slattery, a wall-street wunderkind who not-so-secretly thinks Monty has it coming. Jakob, a pre-school English teacher who can't seem to think past his own woes. Naturelle, Monty's girlfriend who is awaiting the relief that will come when the hour finally arrives. And Doyle, a faithful pit bull blissfully unaware of it all.  The trio of friends met at the prep school where Jakob now teaches; it was there that Monty discovered the power of the "sway" earned by supplying rich kids with drugs. 

The novel is structured around each hour until Monty is report to jail. The chapters alternate between narrators. As the numbers rise, there seems to be a hint that Monty will do something dramatic to get out of his situation: Run? Rat out his superiors? Commit suicide? Or nothing at all?

This is certainly an angsty book, a bit hard to read given the impending end of summer and beginning of the work year. But it certainly was compelling. Each chapter is a little vignette that pulls you in. I will say that it all seemed a bit cliche. There is no great truth here, just some diversion and entertainment.