Chapter 1 Summary

This introductory chapter provides some background information on a small town in the Great Plains. Bill is the writer for The Daily Truth, and he narrates this background. Years ago, this was an industrial town with factories and businesses and bustling life. Workers here used to manufacture cars, metal, appliances, doors, windows, and a wide range of other industrial products. The town had big contracts from major companies all over the US. Since the manufacturing industry has died down, the town has become quiet and rundown. The old factories stand abandoned and all that's left in their place are dark corners where drug dealers and prostitutes roam. The restaurant chains have moved in, and Bill says that the town is full of trainee managers. Since there is nothing else for the people to do, the favorite pastime for the people is now eating...