Book excerpt: Life had been bleak for Albie. A dearth of bonding with family and friends had turned him into a stereotyped nerd with a vehement desire to socialize. After desperate attempts aimed at garnering admiration, he starts to lose himself for gaining virtual friendship. As he tries to come out of his boyish shell, he is forced to lock horns with the intricacies of manhood. The sojourn in his hostel and the subjects of his riveting degree program help him in maintaining the equilibrium between distress and delirium. Despite undergoing frustration and missing out on the acumen of emotion, Albie transcends to realise the treasured truth that mankind has always concealed in its conscience, with the courtesy of one surly coconut and two cordial companions.