Throughout most of the novel, Nate has grappled with the issue of whether or not to return to finish his college education. Well, here we are again. Do you believe in redemption? It would appear Nate does not. You are not going to believe what Nate does in this, the final chapter. Or what happens when he stops by the post office to check his mail.

Nate thinks everyone is conspiring behind his back…and he’s probably right. Else how would he ever have met the beautiful, raven-tressed Veronica Sambucello, aka Ronnie, the San Francisco literary agent wearing Levi’s and silver-toed cowboy boots. How did she ever get a copy of his Peoplesongs manuscript? She loves the stories, but isn’t crazy about the title. It seems nobody is. Maybe it’s part of the conspiracy, but never mind. Find out what happens when Nate goes to see Ronnie.

Nate takes Jane out to dinner at the famous Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur to celebrate her completing her epic poem, “Cosmogeny.” Jane tells him she showed the manuscript for Peoplesongs to Gerry, which puts him on edge. He stomps into Gerry’s office to confront him and get his manuscript back. Is Nate a young man of strong opinions, or is he just plain ornery?

It’s October 6, Jane’s birthday. Nate has been working for months on his book of short stories, entitled Peoplesongs. Jane has been working on her epic poetry. They sit at Eddie’s and, surprising each other, present their manuscripts to one another as a kind of birthday present. We finally get to hear one of Nate’s short stories, “Blood Red Sun.”

It’s October 6, Jane’s birthday. Nate has been working for months on his book of short stories, entitled Peoplesongs. Jane has been working on her epic poetry. They sit at Eddie’s and, surprising each other, present their manuscripts to one another as a kind of birthday present. We finally get to hear one of Nate’s short stories, “Blood Red Sun.”

July 20, 1969, the night of the Apollo 11 moon landing. But at The Ethereal Ranch the moon landing may not be the biggest deal of the night. It’s a party, the likes of which may be new to your experience.

July 20, 1969, the night of the Apollo 11 moon landing. But at The Ethereal Ranch the moon landing may not be the biggest deal of the night. It’s a party, the likes of which may be new to your experience.

During Nate’s cognac-and-conversation evening with Will Chandler, who’s the first to lapse into stillness? And just what are the virtues of less words, more silence?