Eric Anderson's sixteenth year is a time of many firsts, and while he gains some self-knowledge from each "first," he then discovers that he must modify these learnings based on further events. For example, Eric experiences his first romantic love with Anna-Maria. When he loses her affection to a friend, he reacts with anger and rejection.

Later, Eric rediscovers love with Louise, only to lose it again, but this time, when the relationship ends, he responds with greater magnanimity.

The year also sees Eric encountering death and coming to recognize his own mortality.

The initial instance, as recounted in "Sun Dogs," occurs dramatically when, through adolescent shortsightedness and thoughtlessness, Eric almost kills himself and his horse during a sudden late winter storm.

The second occurrence is found in "The River" during Eric's attempt to rescue someone who is committing suicide. Although Eric's rescue attempt...