Trout's Honor by Laurie Lamson
Coming-of-age eco-comedy/drama (satire with a heart)
In a small Northern California town where the men hunt, fish, and hang out in titty bars, an idealistic Nature boy must find his own way to become a modern man.
Sixteen-year-old Gabe Slayton is determined to win a competitive Fish and Wildlife internship – and his distant father’s approval. A trout hatchery job could give him both the edge he needs for his application and the male mentorship he craves.
But when he develops compassion for the trout in his care, Gabe grows disillusioned with old school views on both women and Nature.
With the help of the hatchery owner’s rebellious daughter Blanche, he learns that compassion doesn’t make you less of a man, it makes you more of a human.