The novel is a first person narrative from the point of view of a young man named Benjamin Kissel over a four year period starting in 1969. It begins as he is about to graduate high school through his college years and first job at an advertising agency and his first experience with racism. It is a humorous and, at times, emotionally wrenching journey as he makes his way on the path towards maturity. Aside from a business trip to Los Angeles and a celebrity drug fueled party, its setting is New York City and surrounding suburbs. Just when he thinks he may be navigating his way through the emotional complexities of life successfully, a death and a dark twisted secret force him to respond to an all together new reality he is being forced to live.