When God Laughs Author:Steven Dhondt Tom Pierson's freshman obsessions--with American literature and with the pert assistant to the dean of Abbott College--dominate his first term. When his idealism, inspired by Jack London's portrayal of working class struggles, collides with establishment forces, he learns to rue a lesson from London: that fate is often capriciously twisted "when... more » God Laughs."Steve Dhondt brings passion and literary sophistication to the coming-of-age novel. The telltales themes--idolization of inspiring role models, youthful bravado undermined by self-doubt, first love and betrayal--are outlined in graceful prose with signature empathy. Dhondt deftly pays homage to London by emulating the master's satire and keen understanding of human nature in a story that builds to a tumultuous conclusion. « less