Joy Don Baker

Against the World Joy Don Baker

Robin, a fiery red-head, arrives home from her freshman year of nursing school, to discover her home is slated for demolition for upscale housing she can't afford. Her summer vacation devolves into a chaotic circus of exploration of sexuality, violence, and tragedy. Then, thieving by an ex-friend threatens Robin's job and brings her to court; but that's not all. Robin's summer spins further out of control when the unanticipated reunion with her estranged mother is derailed by family violence that leaves Robin grappling with grief and railing against the world.

Back at school, the Nurseketeers band around Robin to embrace women's issues, gender discrimination, cultural diversities, and plan a March Against Violence. A chance meeting motivates Robin to question her sexuality in an era when homosexuality is illegal in every state but one - and that one wasn't Texas. Her roommate's homophobia challenges the need for secrecy as Robin explores her emerging lesbian impulses. Exposure could turn her nursing career into an impossible dream or worse, she could land in jail.