Nick sees it all as a caseworker at a shelter for homeless men. He crosses paths with his father (Johnathon) who is down on his luck. Nick spends a lot of time thinking about why he hasn't done more to help his dad. He recognizes that he could have offered shelter in his small apartment. He also knows deep down inside that he hasn't done more is because he is scared to death of becoming his father.
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Six years of shelter work first as an outreach van worker, then as a caseworker, has taught Nick to rely on his gut when it comes to dealing with people who are down and out. He is aware of the mass denial that people addicted to substances live in and begins to see his father through the lens of the disenfranchised. He knows the games the cons being run on those simply trying to survive with little hope.
When Nick's dad comes into shelter he uses Nick for as many favors as he can pull. With an inclination towards breaking rules dad wants as much as he can get from the system is there to help him get his act together. He can't decide if this is truly something he wants. He is stuck in the past and unable to pull himself out of the hold of depression.
Nick and Johnathon are father and son who share many good characteristics. Nick learned to read early and decided by the age of twelve that he would become a writer of horror stories. Johnathon is a poet who hopes to be novelist as well. Rejection letters outweigh the good news of a publishing contract and add to his depression.
He turns to check forgery which lands him a two year bid in jail. He writes eloquently worded appeal letters to politicians and lawmakers explaining that he is a good man who was simply down on his luck. He is released after serving his full sentence and spirals down into a alcohol filled haze.
Nick hasn't spent a lot of time with him, his dad remarried and Nick takes it all personal. Alcohol, weed and acid become his substances of choice. He still writes hopeful that he will publish when he takes a job in his early twenties at the shelter.
Nick tries but can't maintain a relationship with Emily. The drugs and alcohol prevent him from committing to much of anything beyond the next high. He takes time out to study Buddhism and attends a retreat to figure out why he can't break free from the same shadiness as his father. In his enlightened stage Nick decides a documentary on his father may help them both break free from their demons.
All the talking that emerges as Nick asks questions while shooting footage seem to help. Johnathon gets approved for public housing that includes a section 8 voucher and is able to have his own place for the first time in several years.
Nick decides that he needs to see something outside of California and heads to Boston. Before he leaves he checks on his dad. Johnathon is doing okay.
Best part of story, including ending:
I hated that Nick didn't offer his father a bed when he was homeless.
Best scene in story:
I liked that Emily stepped away from Nick when he was abusing drugs.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked that Nick learned how to set boundaries for himself and had a good heart.
