It's football season in Melbourne, and Helen Garner is following her grandson's under-16 team. At almost every game, almost every practice, she stands on the sidelines, fascinated and often trembling with excitement, in all kinds of weather. Yes, she loves the drama of Australian football, even if she doesn't understand all the rules. But above all, she cherishes the joy of staying connected with her grandson, being close to him before he plunges headlong into manhood. With precision and her warm humor, Garner recounts this pivotal moment—as part of the story, but also as a detached observer. Biography (Helen Garner): Helen Garner was born in Geelong, Australia, in 1942. Her award-winning work includes novels, short stories, and non-fiction. New product