<DIV><i>Skud</i> is gritty, disturbing, and smart: a story about the last year of high school as told by four intense young men facing their individual demons. Tommy, Brad, Andy, and Shane are all making their uncertain way to a life outside school. Tommy, a model student, is heading for the military to fly fighter jets, in order to free himself from his abusive mother. Brad is being scouted for the Junior B hockey team to satisfy his ambitious dad. Andy has an audition for a role as a punk that could launch his acting career - all he needs is someone who can teach him the "hard stare" and cool moves. He turns to Shane, a gang member who rules the street, complete with knife and gun.<br><BR>The shells that the boys have constructed around themselves start coming apart when Tommy suspects Andy of seeing his girlfriend, Brad goads him into a confrontation, and Shane comes to Andy's aid. The tragic outcome will leave readers reexamining their own life choices.</div>