Living in a small town is not always easy but it can be the source of many hilarious lessons about life. This is a humorous novel that recounts William's adventures and misadventures while growing up in Minnesota during the 1920's. Relying on the practical, no-nonsense advice of his facetious grandfather, who helps him see through others' pretences, William begins to understand what it really means to live an upstanding life with compassion for others.