This is the very funny, poignant story of two brothers, little boys growing up in the tumultuous sixties. Sam reads books. Len nurses his goldfish. They play "war" in the sand dunes, they go to parochial school, they play hockey. As the times begin to change, so do the brothers and their relationship. Sam goes to the university, where he protests the Vietnam War and writes "meaningful" songs. Len stays home to attend the local community college and has plans to marry his high school girlfriend.

Len is still into hockey. Sam tries eastern mysticism and his search for meaning leads him to alcohol, Shakespeare and folk music, while Len worries about the names of his future children. As their world divides, they must ultimately turn to each other for the understanding and compassion only shared experience can give.