After the accident that left his brother Ryan brain damaged, John's anger for the best of him and he was forced to leave his home. Seven years later, John is in trouble again, forced to leave his uncle's home and return to the family who threw him out. It's a rough transition for him: he's a high school senior in a new school; he's returning to lacrosse and getting back into shape; he's thinking seriously about his future and career goals; his mom is still devoting most of her energy to Ryan's care (at the expense of her own health and wellbeing). John drowns his troubles in Jack Daniels and a bit of pot, which might cause some trouble with his parole. John is on the brink of collapse, as is the rest of his family, and there's no clear way to help them without giving up everything he's worked for. 
 The overall messages of relying on family and friends for support are clear, and John's pain and confusion are palpable. He's 17 and handling things as best a 17yo can. He sees a therapist (someone he saw previously; their interaction and rapport suggest it was in the recent past, but John was living some distance away for 7 years?) and vents some of his rage; breakthroughs are pretty quick to come. everything is pretty quick to happen; like the whole story is in fast forward. an okay addition to collections, but not a necessary one.