The author questions what it means to be a man today in a series of interlinked autobiographical reflections, regrets, and reexaminations, each sparked by an encounter, in the present, that holds some legacy of the past.

Secret handshake -- Techniques of betrayal -- Strategies for the folding of time -- Exercises in masculine affection -- Styles of manhood -- Elements of fire -- Patterns of early enchantment -- Studies in pink and blue -- Tactics of wonder and loss -- Cue the Mickey Katz.