This is a long novel about the lives of people connected to an addiction counselor. All are not addicts or troublesome. Gentle families, seasoned businesspeople, accomplished professionals, and politically connected military rogues all need his services. Most just need a friend. He needs Rita, his elementary school friend who guides him to proclaim the new dream, one that simply states, "You can do so much better " Follow along and be transported from a local pool hall, tech research labs, counseling sessions, and finally, the psyche ward to help Rita get home safely.