Chapter 1: May
Alex Gregory sits beside an old man's hospital bed, reflecting on the events that led him there. The irregular beeping of the heart monitor suggests the man's precarious condition.
Highlight: The opening scene creates a somber atmosphere, foreshadowing the emotional journey ahead.
Chapter 2: Last September - Gnome Run
Alex's ill-fated "Buffo plan" unfolds on a Friday evening in September. Fueled by his parents' separation and his first experience with alcohol, he steals his mother's car, intending to confront his father.
Quote: "This is his first experience with alcohol."
The joyride ends abruptly when Alex crashes into Mrs. Wilson's garden, destroying her lawn gnomes. He experiences his first blackout, only to be arrested upon regaining consciousness.
Vocabulary: Blackout - A period of unconsciousness or memory loss, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Chapter 3: The Wake-Up
Saturday morning finds Alex at the police station, facing questioning from an officer named Sarge. In a clumsy moment, Alex spills Sarge's coffee, leading to an ambulance call as Alex passes out again.
Example: Alex's disorientation and clumsiness illustrate the lingering effects of his alcohol consumption.
Chapter 4: Day of the Dorkwit
Alex awakens in the hospital, surrounded by the consequences of his actions. His parents argue over blame, while medical professionals diagnose him with alcohol poisoning, a concussion, and a forehead gash.
Definition: Alcohol poisoning - A serious and potentially fatal condition resulting from drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period.
Alex feigns sleep to avoid his father's lecture and to hide his tears from his mother, highlighting his emotional turmoil.
Chapter 5: My Day in Court
Thirty days after the crash, in October, Alex faces his court date. The courtroom's appearance surprises him, challenging his preconceptions about the legal system.
Highlight: Alex's shock at the courtroom's appearance reveals his naivety about the legal process.
The judge accepts Alex's guilty plea, with potential consequences including a delayed driver's license. Alex, feeling the punishment is unfair, must now confront the reality of his actions.
Chapter 6: Solomon
As part of his sentence, Alex begins a human-service project at the Egbert P. Johnson Memorial Home for the Elderly on October 27th. He's assigned to assist Solomon Lewis, a challenging resident.
Characterization: Solomon Lewis is initially portrayed as a difficult and uncooperative patient, setting the stage for Alex's personal growth.
Alex's first day is marked by Solomon's hostility and a medical emergency, prompting Alex to request a reassignment. However, the judge insists he continue working with Solomon, setting up the central conflict of the story.
