Growing up is hard enough, but it’s worse as a pacifist whose country is at war. Jim and Brian are neighbors, best friends, and high school graduates heading for college. In 1970 the Vietnam War raged, and Brian and Jim, both pacifists, worry about being drafted. To make matters worse, both men are gay and far from out. When Brian finally admits his feelings for his friend, he’s surprised and pleased Jim feels the same. Brian’s father teaches jujitsu, and the two men learn the ancient art, though neither believes in fighting. They struggle to overcome their pacifist tendencies amid racial tension and homophobia that threatens to tear their lives -- and their love -- apart. Can Brian and Jim turn fear into courage and learn to defend themselves, and each other, to create a life of love?

Fear and Courage

She chuckled. “Yes, you can. San Jose and San Francisco quit screening for it. If you want to be a cop, do it in San Jose.” She squashed her cigarette in a filled ashtray.


Jim moved closer. “Gay officers? Really?”


“A lot of police agencies won’t take gays. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, just like for women and other minorities. You can change the policy and laws, but you can’t change people’s minds as quickly. There are good and bad people everywhere.” She let out a sad laugh. “But we won’t hire short people. There are still height requirements. Go figure, but I hear the issue’s before the US Supreme Court.”


“I don’t have much money for college.”


Chapter 38