On the Waterfront

At thirteen years old, Danny Novak faced challenges of self-acceptance, abuse, mortality, and death. It was the best summer of his life and the darkest days he ever lived.

When Danny arrives at Camp Baker in June 1972, he is happy to be away. Away from his mom, his bratty little brother, their crappy house, and his sad life. He is the youngest boy hired to work as camp staff, but confident that he’ll fit in.

He took the job for the money. His parents had divorced. With no father around and a mother consumed with her own needs, Danny must fend for himself. Danny looks forward to the summer. He is leaving the scrawny bullied kid behind and welcomes a fresh start at being Danny Novak. He took the job for the money, but he really wants a friend.

Danny is happy when he arrives at camp, but from the first day, feels out of place and unprepared to hurdle the gaps in age, cultural differences, and worldly experience of the older boys on staff.

Mark Colby, at sixteen and has a bad reputation that follows wherever he goes. He works on the waterfront and is the strongest, meanest boy on staff.

Danny works in the kitchen serving food and scrubbing pots. When he gets the opportunity to work on the waterfront, he jumps at the chance. Working the waterfront part-time sounds much better than scrubbing pots full time.

When Danny fails the swim test, Brian, the adult waterfront manager, forces Mark and Danny to spend every afternoon together. Brian punishes Danny for claiming he can swim and Mark for risky behaviors. Mark must teach Danny to swim well enough to complete the mile swim or Brian will send Mark home. Home is the last place Mark wants to go.

Mark blames Danny for ruining his summer and wants nothing to do with the younger boy. Every time Danny arrives at the waterfront, Mark paddles away. Mark is scary and mean, but Danny wants to pass the swim test and be part of the waterfront staff. More than anything, he wants to belong.

On the Waterfront is an engaging tale of two boys. Their struggles for acceptance, understanding, friendship, and learning that suffering can lead to a meaningful life. In the end, genuine friendship is honoring requests and promises kept.