A coming of age novel set in rural Mexico. At age twenty Jim is trying to become independent and to escape from the San Diego culture that he finds stifling and shallow. He embarks solo on a life-journey into Mexico that eventually takes him to a remote village on the Pacific Coast on the eve of its embrace of tourism and surrender of its innocence. Here he meets his Mexican counterpart, Ruben, who is likewise searching for something better. Together they travel the back roads of Mexico, forming an intimate bond with the land, the villages, the people... and with each other. Sharing everything - from simple food and long, hot days to challenging adventures and a yearning for new ideals - they march along toward their respective destinies of insight and understanding...