Chapters 12, 13, 14 Summary

In Chapter 12, Leonard Stecyk as a young child canvasses his neighborhood delivering ZIP Code directories. He appears well-meaning and has a large stash of the presumably free-from-the-Post-Office guides. However, the neighbors clearly are irritated by his efforts to assist them. This pattern holds true for most of Stecyk's life—he is an over-achiever and apparently means well but is received with open hostility. Some of Stecyk's adult work is presented in Chapter 14.

Chapter 13 describes the youth of an unnamed character, revealed later in the novel to be David Cusk. Cusk's earliest memories are about sweating since he suffers from flop sweat attacks that leave him soaking wet and streaming sweat. Cusk's sweat attacks cover his entire body and soak his hair and clothing. His entire life is dominated by his attempts to prevent sweat attacks or, in the event that a sweat...