The book spans a period beginning in 1929 and ending in 2001. Part I, The Early Years, is a young boy's experiences in Puerto Rico. Part II, The City, focuses on New York City during the great depression. Part III are the events during the World War II years. Part IV deals with happenings in the post-war years. Part V, The turbulent 1960's, relate to occurrences in that decade. Part VI, A New Beginning, describes the man's life with a new wife and son. Part VII, are the writer's reactions to what occurred on September 11, 2001.