Set in Belfast, Bernard MacLaverty's new novel "The Anatomy School" focuses on high school student Martin Brennan. At times, this book feels a bit too familiar, as it explores all the awkwardness and mystery of the late teens years. Still, MacLaverty manages to come up with an insightful and at times funny read. It is the late 1960s, and Martin, of course, is approaching adulthood. But two things have to be faced before Martin grows up. He must pass his exams, and he must deal with the Troubles, which, of course, are exploding all around Belfast at this time. But it is the quiet moments of "The Anatomy School" that make it such a worthwhile read. Particularly well done are the scenes with Martin smoking, studying or just talking with his two pals Kavanagh and Blaise. Moaning about their rigorous schoolwork, Blaise rants: "They make us jump through hoops in order to become expert hoop jumpers." Still, Martin must do well in school. He's already lost a scholarship because of poor grades. Now that his mother must pay for the rest of the year, Martin must shape up. Of course, there is an option other than hard work. He can steal the answers to an important test, which is quite a temptation to Martin and his pals. All in all, MacLaverty balances Martin's teenage angst and pranks with the broader picture of Belfast descending into violence and chaos. ($14.95 / 355 pages / Norton)