Living one's life a second time, in a better way, latching onto opportunities, skirting pitfalls, and not causing pain to others, especially those you love. Of course, once we reach the age of understanding-whenever that may be-we know that we get only one chance. That's where confession may come into the picture-not the kind of whispered recitation conducted in a shadowy cubicle in a church, but a full-throated declaration of what you did during your years on Earth, both what was joyful, rewarding, and admirable, and what you did that damaged others. You may talk about the memories and regrets that hover over you as you lie in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, hoping for the relief that comes from a few hours of unconsciousness.

The Last Confession of Sullivan Moore tells that story, the tale of a once-acclaimed writer-turned recluse who, in his last year, reveals the mistakes and missteps that he has taken over the course of a lifetime. However, the book is more than the great man's narration of his successes and failures, noble deeds and reprehensible acts, times when he soared to great heights and occasions when he plummeted to the trough of despair. It is also a story within a story, that of the unnamed narrator, who, during the course of his time with Moore, begins to see parallels to his own life and attempts to determine how to live in a better way, one that does not involve hurting others.