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

It was the first time Brian witnessed his dad’s embarrassment, but he recovered. “Brian, life is a heaven and hell event. It’s yin and yang. Good and bad. Yin and yang are Oriental concepts of opposites, and within each is a small kernel of the other. Light and dark, good and bad, weak and strong. It’s about opposites and balance. Balance is a major key to life.” He shook his head. “Am I making sense?”


Brian sat transfixed on his every word. He nodded. Everyone stopped eating.


Chapter 74