This book is the winner of the Faulkner Society of New Orleans Medal. It is a moving love story and a powerful psychological study of alienation and grief. "Clay Center" presents a startling examination of that time in which the American dream was revealed to contain its own nightmare. The bold, direct prose and intense humanity of this brilliant novel of the Vietnam generation give it the feel of a classic. Its bold, direct prose and intense humanity give it the feel of a classic. Phil Condon, author of "River Street: A Novella and Stories", lives in Missoula, Montana.