In his debut novel, The Brightest Moon of the Century, native Minnesotan Christopher Meeks chronicles one man's path to middle age and, in doing so, illustrates how choices and circumstances -- even those that seem arbitrary at the time -- have a way of irrevocably cementing a person's future.

Meeks tells Edward's story in time blocks. ("Taking Aim: Summer 1977," "Stark Changes: Fall 1979-Spring 1980," etc.) Each block represents a time of change in Edward's life, such as going away to college or deciding to take a particular job.

We meet Edward soon after his mother dies and he's being alternately pushed and ignored by his strict father, who forces him to attend a snobbish private school where the wealthier students tease him. Later, we visit Edward in his late teens as he's discovering pot and his sexuality. He goes on to college in Colorado, then to a random and drastic career leap to trailer park management in the South, then on to the film industry and marriage in Los Angeles.

Though the essence of Edward's goals and desires remain somewhat unclear, put together, these chunks of story enlighten the zigs and zags that bring people to the careers and family lives that will ultimately define them....

Meeks manages to put together a thoughtful, fresh-feeling portrait of how we become who we are. Meeks' Edward may not be the most compelling hero, but, as a case study, he's fascinating.