A soon to be 19-year-old college student undergoes a spiritual and intellectual awakening during a four-day period in August 1971. Through a series of flashbacks and epiphanies, some of which are spurred by an almost 24-hour LSD trip, Eddie Watson begins to gain the first awareness of himself. The book is set in North Carolina, and the primary action takes place in the eastern section of the state. Eddie leaves home on a Friday morning in search of nothing more than a respite from parents, school, and his own mundane life. He is somewhat of a lost soul who lacks confidence, has no future goals, and has nothing positive in his immediate future. Through a series of almost spontaneous connections, he is introduced to a culture in which he seems to have a place. During the next 48 hours he begins to come to grips with who he is and where he might be headed.