Houston, Freshman Year (pp. 11-17) Summary

Steven York was raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. His parents were normal in most respects although their marriage was not particularly happy. Steve remembers they argued frequently, though always in private. Steve's father, Alan York, is a famous astronaut and is very emotionally distant from his family. In 1989, Steve's parents were divorced. Sarah, Steve's little sister, went with her mother and Steve remained with his father who quickly moved them to Houston. Alan York continued to try and dominate Steve's life, insisting that he excel not only at academia but also at sports. Steve remembers his father with resentment and feels little positive emotion for him.

Steven attended Grace High School in Houston and completed a nondescript freshman year, relieved to attend normal courses instead of courses for gifted students. During his registration process, he...