Jim Finleyâa recently retired English teacher living alone on the shifting edge of San Franciscoâhas been set, unwittingly, on the back porch of life. Trying to harmonize the voices in his head, he sits most days by his stack of âto-doâ books until, one day, his daughter comes home with the worst news of her life. Everything changes. As his broken heart reengages, he steps back into a new world. He sees his ex-wife has launched into a larger life than the one theyâd shared. He is surprised to find it easier to talk to his sonâs immigrant girlfriend, or even the remains of a Russian saint, than to the young man heâs raised. He misconnects with Carolâhis first date in decadesâa woman he enjoys talking with but doesnât quite hear. Set in the pre-tech calm before the turn of this century, Outer Sunset is a deeply felt story about the intimate place where long-lasting growth occurs in our lives; how we revise, or live without, our dreams; how to love the flaws of those closest to you and watch a child grow away into someone better than youâd imagined; and how to be shaken by beauty amidst unimaginable loss and remain standing.