It was the year of Guinness. I entered a new highschool as an eighteen year old after taking a two year leave of absence to care for my daughter. I met Guinness in English class. He'd fallen asleep in the seat directly in front of me. I poked him in the back with a pencil to ensure he wouldn't be hit with the wrath of Mr. Bellows. Guinness introduced himself to me when the class was over. That's where it all began. Over the course of the year, our friendship would be tested. The discussion of love, lust, lies and self preservation are hot topics in this book. As the story evolves and eventually concludes, we learn that everything is not always what it appears to be. Through the bond of friendship, the characters find hope and strength and learn that money can't buy happiness.