Summary

The novel is preceded by a quotation from Sophocles: “Truth is always the strongest argument.” Chapter 1 takes place after the events of the main story. The protagonist, Brady, wonders in non-specific terms about the recent events of his life. He wonders if it might have been possible for events to have transpired differently. Chapter 2 begins the main story, which takes place in present-day Maryland. (The novel was written in 2004.) 13-year-old Braden “Brady” Parks is the protagonist and narrator. His father is a crab fisher, and Brady enjoys fishing for crabs as well. His two friends/classmates are Jeremy "J.T." Tyler and Michael "Digger" Griswald. The three boys’ families are relatively poor. Brady’s adult cousin, Carl, is an emergency medical technician, and he sometimes drives the three boys to school in the ambulance Carl drives for work. While waiting for Carl one morning...