This is an autobiographical novel in which the life and times of the author are portrayed. In addition, there are fictional characters who are involved with his life in order to develop an intriguing and suspenseful plot line. The story begins with the main character's early life in Cincinnati where he is forced to live in stranger's homes during adolescence. He travels through the West and meets a boy of similar age from New York. Returning home, he works his way through college and medical school, marries, has children, practices pediatrics and pediatric radiology in a medical school, lives on a sailboat, plays polo, and ultimately vacations on a Montana ranch. The New York boy, destined to pursue a medical career, changes life course and moves west to develop the Lonesome Dreidle Cattle and Guest Ranch. Both are of Jewish heritage and the book explores the philosophical and humorous aspects of their contrasting life styles.