This beautiful first printing softcover edition is in near fine condition, with no marks or tears and only minimal shelf wear. The pages are tight and unmarked, and the book is square, clean, and well-preserved. The Harder They Come by T.C. Boyle is a 2015 novel that explores themes of identity and the tension between individual freedom and societal norms. Inspired by true events, the story follows Sten Stensen, a retired high school principal and Vietnam War veteran who becomes a reluctant hero after killing an armed robber while on a cruise in Costa Rica. Upon returning home to California, he struggles with his son’s radical worldview and his own shifting beliefs about violence and justice. Adam lives in the woods and descends into paranoia and violent delusions, leading to dangerous confrontations with law enforcement. The novel delves into the clash between personal freedom and societal order, earning praise for its compelling storytelling and nuanced exploration of complex themes.