Episode Notes

• David’s sophomore year centers on his relationships with Kari DeCarlo and Connie Smith, who become the gravitational forces of his social world.
• The chapter explores the intensity and confusion of adolescent desire, the pursuit of connection, and the influence of generational culture—music, parties, and rebellion.
• David and his friends engage in risky behavior, including stealing alcohol from a neighbor’s basement bar and hiding it for future parties.
• The pressure to impress and belong leads to escalating substance use, culminating in a three-day binge just before a crucial summer school exam.
• The narrative highlights the gap between fantasy and reality, the dangers of addiction, and the emotional toll of trying to maintain status and relationships during adolescence.