Based upon a true story of Jack, this raucous tale begins when he is a child, a mother's boy, dominated by older brother Bill. Jack admired Bill for his superior imagination, physical prowess, and braininess, traits that made Bill a combination of Tom Sawyer and Tom Jones.
The social milieu of the times affected them, ordering choices in their lives. Misdeeds characterized their behavior as they tried to become knowledgeable about sex, adult ways, and athletics in western North Carolina in a time of depression, war, and adjustment.
Jack experienced his troublesome early high school years, including his father’s death that left him feeling they had never bonded. Bill got religion in a dramatic turn. Following Bill to a college where bigotry reigned, Jack transferred to another college, where he flourished.
Again following Bill, Jack entered a seminary, but after two years, parted from Bill, his bother, and the seminary. Leaving the seminary due to theological/philosophical disagreements, he moved to Fort Worth, took an aircraft factory job, and became enamored of women of the evening. Happenstance led Jack to teaching, as Bill became a minister. Slow growth to maturity stalked Jack's path to success and marriage.