This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff is a painful examination of what happens to a young man who is left to navigate life by himself. The adults in Toby's life are too preoccupied with their own lives to pay attention to him. His mother is self-centered and childish and never really indicates that she wants Toby around. His wealthy father lives with his other son on the east coast and doesn't pursue any relationship with Toby.
Toby is left to fend for himself, which has a negative impact on his personal development. His mother moves from city to city, whenever the wind isn't blowing her way, which is often. Since Toby has no role model and frequently doesn't stay in one place long enough to form lasting relationships, he clings to anyone who will pay attention to.....
