Ben, Paul, and Ridge were best friends growing up, but after they went off to college, their lives began to diverge. When they reunite at Ridge's twenty-eighth birthday party, they find that if they want to remain friends, they must confront some major differences.

Ridge is materialistic and career focused, and he has a glamorous and rich girlfriend, Julia. But he's discovering Julia's values and priorities don't mesh with those of his friends, and she wants him to choose between his past and a future with her.

Ben's life is completely different from Ridge's. He teaches history at a community college but longs for an academic career at a more prestigious university. What will Ben have to give up for success?

Paul always feels like he is caught between Ridge and Ben. He shares some of Ben's ideals but also has some of Ridge's desire for material success. Will a mentor and a new love interest help him find the balance he craves?

Through Ridge, Ben, and Paul, author T. E. Stazyk encourages readers to challenge accepted norms and values and think about how they too can make a difference and change the world.