Book excerpt: It is the mid-1960s and Randy Harrison is a gangly fifteen-year-old who seeks thrills amid the pages of a steamy novel and while hanging out with his friends. Unfortunately, his thrill-seeking behavior comes with consequences. After he is sent to his Aunt Carrie's farm for two weeks as part of his punishment for a recent indiscretion, Randy prepares to embrace the seemingly idyllic country life. But as he stands at a crossroads between boyhood and manhood, Randy must first confront the challenges that await him before he can continue any further on his path to maturity. As Randy is forced to stand up to bullies, overcome sadness, wrestle with his feelings for the girl of his dreams, and deal with her rival and a man he believes is the guardian of the area, he soon discovers the value of life in a way he never imagined. Dog Days of Summer is the tale of a teenager's summer of angst as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and realizes the power of his survival instincts.