Nosedive (The Peter Saga)

Teen age, a time of change, of reflection, of charting new paths. Now, Peter Bennings, 13, can explore his own sexuality and fantasizes sexual encounters with real and imaginary girls, while struggling with his awkwardness in real-life experiences with them. His naiveté locks him in a shell of shyness and immaturity. His first "love," Rhonda, becomes his obsession and gives him his first lesson in lovesickness and losing at love. He remains mystified with social and sexual relations with girls and wonders how he fits in. Why will no one offer answers to his questions or guide him through the maze of confusion? Two things in his life of which he is sure are his desire to be a Microbiologist and his love of music and the drums. Life revolves around his love of science and learning, and he already has plans to attend the local university to fulfill his vision. But Peter's dream of becoming a Microbiologist vanishes when powers beyond his control force him to follow a business track in his high school classes, just like his brothers followed. With one of his dreams shattered, he devotes his energies to becoming a drummer and getting into a rock and roll band. His life changes drastically with his new role of being a "musician." In the hallways and at "The Hole" at school, smoking and drinking become a part of his musician "lifestyle" and girls are easier to "conquer." Peter spirals even further into the sex, alcohol, and rock and roll lifestyle, starting his rebellion against those who have shattered his dream - his parents and the school. But his new "image" doesn't guarantee happiness or answers to his questions. Seventeen and a senior in high school, Peter has progressed to teenage alcoholic, flunks classes at school, gets thrown in jail with his best friend, Jeff. His friends have all scattered, the draft and Vietnam loom in the near future. Peter is a lost soul struggling to find his place, wondering what lies ahead for him. All Peter has learned is that "life takes the wheel from us sometimes."