The novel tells the story of Tyler Miller, a high school freshman who is falsely accused of rape by his classmate, Andrea. Tyler is then put on trial and convicted of rape, despite the lack of evidence against him. He is sentenced to ten years in prison and must serve at least five years before he is eligible for parole.
While in prison, Tyler must deal with the harsh realities of prison life, including violence, racism, and sexual assault. He also struggles to maintain his innocence and hope for a future beyond prison.
After five years, Tyler is released on parole and returns to his hometown. He must now try to rebuild his life, while still dealing with the stigma of his conviction. He also faces the challenge of reintegrating into society and finding a job.
The novel follows Tyler as he navigates the challenges of his new life and tries to find a way to move on from his past.