Growing up is a process we all endure but seldom has it been described in such an entertaining fashion. Rituals recounts the experiences of one young couple—through the eyes of the man—as they move towards a permanent commitment. While Panepinto’s characters are portrayed in a somewhat exaggerated way, encountering common and uncommon life issues, they serve as an analogy of real situations. These include questions about their relationship, conflicts with their families, and interactions in the workplace and with their college friends.

As Jeff and Ellie move through the years they live together, they give us an opportunity to look at ourselves, to laugh at the way life educates, and to empathize with the problems they face. As a substitute teacher, Jeff interacts with students and their parents, finding himself acting as a counselor with little training for the job. As a waitress, Ellie forms attachments to regular customers and experiences grief when one older woman dies. Throughout this, there are humorous interactions with dysfunctional family members and even more dysfunctional “old” friends. And our young couple learns how to set limits and avoid controversy.

The book ends without really ending. Our young couple marries and begins facing the questions of what to do with the rest of their lives. This realistic view of the process of growing up in our society is enlightening and entertaining. Rituals is one of those books that you will want to keep reading so you can learn what will happen next.

Carol Armstrong

Author Biography

John C. Panepinto

Author Biography Coming Soon!