As teens, Otis and Terrell were boyfriends. But their relationship was torn apart by Terrell's father and his pastor causing the two young men to travel different roads in their lives. Now, as they near their fortieth birthdays, each seeks to confront the pains and truths that have shaped his journey: Otis returns home, having endured years of hardship in search of the peace that has eluded him for so long. During his stay he finds he must confront his father who had turned his back on him; the lover who denied him and the minister who brought about his downfall, and most of all a surprise that awaits him. Then there is Terrell who finds that in spite of the 'perfect' life he chose to live, his marriage to Karen and his dedication to his two kids, there can be no peace without reconciling the differences that determines his sexual identity. 'This Place of Men' is the first book in the 'This Place of Men' trilogy.