In Springtime

by Peter Larson

It's 1980, and junior high has started. Chris is experiencing a rise in confusion and anxiety toward himself and society. He finds some comfort with his best friend, Nathan—and a pretend spaceship set up in Nathan's garage, where they share imaginative stories.

Chris questions and struggles with his Christian beliefs, passed on respectfully from his parents, but now becoming uncertain and frightening, especially concerning a Biblical apocalypse.

Discouragement from haunting nightmares and extreme shyness prevents Chris from receiving help for his adolescent turmoil. Repeated thoughts of self-harm and suicide plague him.

Chris finds it hard to share what's happening in his life with Nathan, who is growing up and beyond the childish fun that Chris wants to hold on to. Though their friendship is gradual declining, Chris eventually shares the gospel message with Nathan, hoping he will experience the joy and freedom that have brought Chris a newfound peace.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.