About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to understand a family member's post-war trauma, substance abuse, or the heavy burden of keeping family secrets. It is an essential resource for families navigating the complex reality of PTSD or the changing personality of a loved one returning from military service. The story follows Shane as he joins his older brother Jeremy, a veteran struggling with alcoholism and volatile behavior, on a high-stakes canoe trip. This survival adventure serves as a visceral metaphor for the emotional journey of supporting someone who is drowning in unseen injuries. While it is a gripping adventure, it is ultimately a deeply empathetic exploration of loyalty, fear, and the realization that sometimes we cannot save the people we love on our own. It is most appropriate for mature teens due to its honest portrayal of trauma and dangerous situations.
