Ben Mears, a successful writer who grew up in the town of Jerusalem's Lot, Cumberland County, Maine, has returned home following the death of his wife. Once in town he meets local high school teacher Matt Burke and strikes up a romantic relationship with Susan Norton, a young college graduate.

TIME Magazine
February 11, 2008 Vol. 171 No. 6

• COVER: It's Their Turn Now - 'A friend told me this was impossible, that it's hopeless to try to organize students. Now he says, ''Where do I sign up?'''
• NATION: Voter's Guide To the Issues - The real fight is just around the corner in the general election. And the competing Democratic and Republican approaches to the key issues are like oil and water. Or Oprah and Chuck Norris.
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: The First Comedy Strike - Almost 30 years ago, comics like Jay and Dave staged a revolt. It changed everything
• PEOPLE: 10 Questions for Susan Sarandon - Famous for both her acting and her political activism, this Oscar winner's latest drama, Bernard and Doris, airs Feb. 9 on HBO. Susan Sarandon will now take your questions