Summary

The novel opens as Patrick films Maisie and Grant talking about their mother, but both are unsure what to say. He has Maisie film him while sharing a Guncle Rule that everyone has a good side. After being briefly horrified by their lack of classic movie knowledge, Patrick starts a dramatic story about their mom, Sara. He confuses them with old sayings and lingo. Sara told him life was harder for girls; but she knew he would be famous one day. Patrick calls Sara his light and asks them to say something special about her.

Chapter One begins six weeks earlier as Patrick O' Hara looks out on Palm Springs from the airport. He recalls how he used to have people over often, but many stopped reaching out. He became reclusive, especially when Sara and the kids could no longer visit. He...