As the oldest child in a military family, Ben takes the brunt of his father's criticism. His attempts to stand up for himself are contemptuously dismissed. But he is determined to be himself, whatever that may be.

"Reader David Hilder does a fine job with the characterizations, making each family member distinctive and recognizable."

PAT CONROY is the best-selling author of The Water Is Wide, The Great Santini, The Lords of Discipline, The Prince of Tides, Beach Music, and My Losing Season. A graduate of The Citadel, he lives in Fripp Island, South Carolina.