Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

Irwin's mother confirms that her son does not like to think of things unpleasant; rather, he is tenacious about living and accomplishing in the present. Overton Irwin, Robert's father, ran a successful construction business until he lost everything in the Depression. There was only one commonality between father and son and that was love of sports. Goldie, Robert's mother, was the thinker and worrier of the family. Irwin feels he got his drive to accomplish from his mother. Irwin and his brother attend the Mormon church with their mother. However, at age ten, Irwin announces that he will no longer go to church. Irwin's mother is upset and tries to convince him that bad things will come his way if he turns his back on the church. Irwin and his mother finally find peace in his decision, although she is always...