The story focuses on Joan, a girl who is nave, father dominated, and the first of her family to go to college. Her parents send her to an isolated religious school, thinking she will be safe from what is happening at other colleges. From the time she meets her roommate, her freshman world becomes one of uncertainty, forays into drugs and alcohol, and an escape from rape that finally opens her life to the positive experiences available to her on campus. Joan, now in midlife, tells the story to her daughter in the hope that even though her daughter will have to face all she did and much more, she will make better choices in college and truly be safe. Drawn from the author's college counseling and administrative experiences, this novel is a "must read" for parents and pre college students alike, who can then discuss the importance of choices made in that crucial freshman year.

From the joy of being alive through the days of falling in love, raising a family, finding faith-questioning and living it-changing, maturing, and finally facing life's closure, this book of poetry presents it all. Then, in case that isn't enough, a bevy of songs are added to express life yet another way. There is joy: "The laughter started way down low, Maybe in my great big toe-" Contemplation: "A wing-ed bird chirps out the first dawn call And soon pink sky is flooded with the sound. . ." Love: "Spray bounced off the strictest cliffs, Coating briefly lovers' lips" Life's changes: "The emptiness the quiet space The laughter gone Some other place" Faith: "I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt. Rank me with whom Thou wilt." And facing life's closure: "Fine old house, We have outlived them all And you shall remain When I am gone. Then you will fill again. You will never be alone." Then, after the poetry, comes music of faith and life that ends on this spirited note: "Kick up your heels, baby Life is to be lived It'll take all you can give, So kick, kick, kick Kick up your heels, baby "

Who is this wounded Male lying in the escape zone of the Planet of Light? Where has he come from? Darvo and Raiker, the Goldskins who find him, are about to have their lives--and their planet--changed forever.