The Strait, the Narrow

When Jack is fourteen years old he runs away from home and finds himself on Casey's boat. For the next year, Jack learns everything he can from the crew, and in particular from Casey - the captain - whom he regards above all others. Some of his lessons are codified in the lineage of literature and history found in Casey's library, some lessons Jack learns through experience, while others come directly from Casey. But, in that year, though together, Jack and Casey ultimately move in different directions. And, it seems that with each lesson Jack learns, Casey forgets. The Strait, The Narrow is a novel of ideas and ideals that proves cynicism is equally as destructive to an individual as is ignorance, and it asserts that as a matter of choice there are better and lesser - not just different - practices, governments, relationships, and people.