The Stuart family expects to settle into peace and prosperity with the rest of the country when tragedy strikes: The Korean War calls them to serve their country once again. With his inimitable style, Gilbert Morris draws a vivid portrait of a decade that seemed to have a split personality: one of family values and the other of growing rebellion against family, country, and God.

Now a new generation of Stuarts must decide whether they will honor or reject their family's values. Through the lives of several Stuart cousins, Morris portrays the tension that existed in the decade of white bucks and poodle skirts, greasers and rock and roll.