In this off-beat humorous novel, teenager Elvin Bishop's is reunited with his uncle and introduced to the world of a 'real man' - from a disastrous wave perm and highlights to tuba lessons and gym membership.
Elvin Bishop's uncle is a lot like his dad - they're both dead, for instance. But then Elvin wakes up one morning to find that his uncle is not dead, but very much alive and kicking and on Elvin's couch. Whether he likes it or not, Elvin's going to have to make some lifestyle changes.
Elvin's introduction to the world of a 'real man' is not all smooth. But it's not all bad either. In spite of the many embarrassing and traumatic episodes, Elvin does pick up a few things that make life a little better - like swimming underwater where he can't hear his uncle speaking! And, what's more, his uncle seems to be a whole lot happier for showing Elvin some of the many enjoyments to be had in this world.
