"The war in Iraq empties the small town of Tumalo, Oregon, of men, of fathers, leaving their sons to fight among themselves. But the boys' bravado fades at home when, alone, they check e-mail again and again for word from their fathers at the front. Often from fractured homes and communities, the young men in these breathless stories do the unthinkable to prove to themselves, to everyone, that they are strong enough to face the heartbreak in this world."--Back cover.

Refresh, refresh --The caves in Oregon -- The woods -- The killing -- Meltdown -- Whisper -- The faulty builder -- Sombody is going to have to pay for this -- Crash -- When the bear came.