Gary doesnt understand why his parents separated, or what he can do to make things right for his family. But his dad has promised that theyll be spending special time together on his eleventh birthday, so maybe hell get to learn more. Even better, perhaps hell be able to forge the bond with his dad that he so craves. As their adventure unfolds we hear about Garys past, his flashbacks revealing why he is the person that he has become. We share the highs and the lows of his birthday weekend, and discover just what a profound impact the events have on their relationship. We learn what Gary must do to cope in his adolescent years, and how the forces of nature and nurture continue to shape his life. Along the way, we see just how complicated life can become for a child when parents leave their conflicts unresolved.