Was "the touch" upon David Harper's shoulder a divine experience, or was it a figment of his imagination? David Harper is the protagonist of John T. Hitchner's novel The Acolyte. As David attempts to come to grips with that question, he must endure other challenges of youth, including bullying, alcohol, tragedy, and first love. The Acolyte enlightens the reader about contemporary yet universal questions. It is a brilliantly evocative story of the burden and strengths of friendship.