The title of T. C. Gardstein ́s debut novel describes both its structure and its psychology: the book resembles a circuit in that the final chapter sets up events realized in the first one, while the chapters in between reveal distinct patterns in the life of its youthful protogonist.

Circuit is a coming-of-age tale without redemption. Nancy Roth is hardly a heroine; she is more of a female, suburban Holden Caulfield for Generation X. Critical and criticized, precocious and privileged, Nancy comes of age during America ́s post-Watergate era of cynicism, materialism, and cut-throat competition. Nancy manages to be an underachiever while burning with creative ambition.

In several chapters of Circuit, Nancy takes over in her own voice, ushering the reader into her thoughts and dreams as well as her nightmares. In all chapters, sensitive topics are dealt with gracefully yet unflinchingly.

Although Circuit encapsulates the mood of a particular time and place, Nancy is a character who will resonate with outcasts and rebels of all backgrounds and generations.