After getting kicked out of college, Val goes back to his hometown and moves in with his single dad, where he sets himself two goals: write the next great American novel and win back his high school girlfriend. But when Val's friend Sam suddenly dies, his 12-year old brother, Charlie, is left orphaned. Val's dad decides to take him in, and when Charlie's abusive uncle comes into the picture, Val realizes he needs to grow up fast so Charlie doesn't have to.