The book is a coming-of-age story that explores the experiences of two teenage boys, Michael "Stoner" Stone and Mark "Spaz" Spaziani, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and their unique friendship.
While the specific location of Ridgeway is not detailed, it is described as a small, suburban town in California, which helps to create a sense of place and familiarity for readers. The setting plays a significant role in the story, as it is a place where the boys feel both comfortable and constricted, and where they grapple with issues of identity, belonging, and acceptance.