Stefan Merrill Block's memoir recounts his unconventional childhood, spent largely homeschooled by his mother in Texas. While his mother's educational approach—focused on nurturing curiosity and following interests—has become more mainstream, her motivations were deeply personal and, at times, troubling. Block describes the isolation and educational neglect he experienced, as well as the lack of oversight that allowed such situations to persist. He situates his story within the broader history of homeschooling in the United States, highlighting how minimal regulation has sometimes enabled cases of abuse and neglect to go unnoticed.

Block does not argue against homeschooling in general, but he raises concerns about the absence of basic safeguards, especially for children already at risk. He cites recent cases where homeschooling was used to conceal severe abuse, suggesting that some oversight is necessary. Despite his difficult upbringing, Block eventually reintegrated into traditional schooling and found success, framing his story as both a personal memoir and a reflection on the complexities of homeschooling and parental authority.