The novella follows four young friends in a small town in Maine who embark on a quest to find the body of a missing boy. Set in the 1960s, the story is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the loss of innocence. As the boys journey through the woods, encountering various obstacles and reflecting on their personal struggles and fears, they confront the harsh realities of the adult world and the inevitability of change. The narrative delves deep into the characters' psyches, revealing their innermost thoughts and the bonds that tie them together, while also painting a poignant picture of childhood's end.

The 6412th greatest book of all time