Ethereal

Set primarily in 1983 in rural Mississippi, this historical novel isabout a white 17-year old boy, AeamonLee Mistral, and his African-Americanfriend, Jo-Nathan Markum, who arebrash, daring, and determined. Theygrow up together in caring familieswithout the material symbols of aclass-conscious era. After a summerof adventure in Memphis and a tripdown the Mississippi River on a riverboat,their indomitable spirit causesthem to make bold decisions abouttheir future in an uncertain andcompetitive world. They are encouragedby an equally strong, and mysteriouswoman who befriends them. To increasetheir life chances, one attempts to makethe football team at the University ofMississippi, and the other joins theUnited States Marine Corps. Dealingwith both triumph and tragedy is theirongoing challenge.