During a photo shoot at the lake with a childhood friend, Michael Wingate - "Winnie," the boys see a man painting and have an encounter. The man's painting is destroyed, and the boys flee the scene. Later in town, Quinn meets the man, Joe Toscano, and discovers that there is more to him that meets the eye.

When his grades fall due to lack of effort and procrastination, Quinn's world comes to a screeching halt. Joe steps in to put the brakes on Quinn's behavior and gently teaches him through his own past mistakes that have haunted him for years. Joe's cool and calm manner along with his ability to communicate with Quinn shows him that living life to the fullest does not mean self-destruction.

John Zaiss' first novel is a stunning emotional ride as you follow Quinn through a year of his young life. His turmoil as he treads through adolescence is real and mirrored in Joe's life. Joe relives his past and tries to help Quinn avoid the mistakes that he has made, especially during the Vietnam era.

This coming of age story has compassion along with the bite of reality for both Joe and Quinn as each comes to terms with his own life, both past and present. As Quinn comes to terms with authority figures, family and friends, Joe prepares to face his own mistakes and comes to terms with them.

This is a must read for young adults as they can relate to Quinn and see older adults as role models and reflect on the past, present and future.