First I should say I was given this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.

TJ has always looked forward to staying on breaks from school with his Uncle Peter. He knows that any time with his uncle-will be a good time! Uncle Peter has let TJ in on his many ummmm....adventures and TJ has become a master at getting his dear uncle out of trouble. Although his aunt and uncle are happily married-Uncle Peter isn't the most morally driven man.

The story takes place during the summer prior to TJ leaving for college. This is his last summer to live it up! Because of a girl, he decides he doesn't want to go to Peter's house so he convinces his uncle to come stay with him while his parents are away. There are no rules with Peter and he would do anything for TJ (possibly to protect his own secrets). Tragedy strikes leaving both Peter and TJ devastated. What began as a summer of fun, for both of them, turns life changing.

I didn't really appreciate this book until I got a good ways into it, which shows on how long it took me to read it-but something kept bringing me back. I wish I'd just stuck with it from the start. Uncle Peter drove me crazy on how he was influencing TJ. But in the end, this turns into a beautiful coming of age story. When you're young and invincible-you lose focus on what is real and important. This is a lesson that both TJ and Uncle Peter learn-thankfully not too late.

Thank you Garfield for the opportunity to read this!!! ( )

This is book is so great, a coming of age story set in California. It is about a recently graduated high school senior who has a basketball scholarship to Syracuse. His parents take a cruise and invite the uncle, Peter, down to watch after TJ until they get back. The "boys" do what boys do for one week, until a sudden twist sends them to Uncle Peter's home in San Bernardino.

The fun doesn't stop there. For a couple of weeks, the guys keep adding fun to their schedule. TJ learns what a real man is like and sort of sees a new light. I love the book because of the transformation of TJ, or is there? The whole book is kind of light, fun, summertime reading and involves a few girls. It is also a great lesson teacher, in a roundabout way. I love TJ's bond with his uncle Peter. I can relate as my sister, aunt Bonnie, has that relationship with my own daughter (who just finished college).

Thank you to Garfield Whyte and to Word Slinger for giving me a free book to read and give my honest review. ( )