Why did you choose Put-In-Bay, Ohio for the novel’s setting? The beauty, history, and island characteristics provide an idyllic atmosphere for a novel. In addition, setting the novel in the Midwest in the middle of Lake Erie fit well with the theme that dreams don’t lie on the horizon; they lie within. It also contrasts the classic theme of Manifest Destiny by starting the journey of the lead character in St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West,” but rather than continuing west, Brad turns deeper into the heart of America.