The book is a metaphor about life and about striving to become a better person on the River of Life. Michael begins his adventure as a young child sitting in a boat on a vast river. He discovers he is being towed upstream by a man and woman (parents) in a row boat. As Michael makes progress upstream he encounters a whirlpool, poisonous snakes, a waterfall, temptations, hooligans, along with many other challenges and obstacles. He is tested and tried. Later, he finds a young woman Ð Monica, to accompany him on his journey. Whether itÕs passing under a waterfall, being lifted through the Locks, or removing barnacles, Michael learns the things he needs to do to join his other loved ones at his final destination, the Fountain Head.