Many tales have been told of places like the Zone – stories centered around homicides, drugs, prostitution and crimes in general. What makes this story different is that its focus is on a handful of longterm residents who lived in this fictional neighborhood of Detroit and were not corrupted by the filth and ugliness surrounding them. At its center is a white boy and a black girl born in the Zone, one minute apart, their mothers lying side by side on a small bed. The mother and son share a home with a black family located in the middle of this dangerous environment. Then we follow the adventures of those who survive and leave the Zone. The experience gained by living and growing up in such a difficult place serves them well as they become successful writers, scientists, and business executives. But the Zone never leaves them.