Joel's rural life of high school and farming
in Common, New Mexico, is changed forever when
Tom comes to town. The son of a preacher, Tom reaches
out to Joel in friendship, and their bond to each
other becomes as tight as brothers. Joel's openness
to his own feelings and acceptance of himself (a
healthy trait instilled by his loving parents)
allows him to explore some new and confusing feelings
he has for Tom. His confusion clears, however,
after a reckless drinking bout ends with a very
public kiss from Tom. But Tom's torment of sin
and self-incrimination are far from over. Common
Sons, the first in a series entitled "Common Threads
in the Life," is a moving tale of self-discovery,
love, and finding the courage to come out and come
to grips with the truth in the face of hatred and
adversity.
