Rudy Harrington’s wife died seven years ago, his three daughters are on their own, his daughter in Ann Arbor is getting married to an Indian, and the prospective son-in-law’s uncle wrote Philosophy Made Simple.

Reading the book, thinking about life and living, he decides to switch from avocado wholesaling in Chicago to avocado growing in Texas. In his new life in the Rio Grande Valley he plans his daughter’s wedding, ends up caring for Norma Jean, an elephant and painter, learning how to grow avocados, and much more.

A primer on philosophy, avocado growing, elephant handling, love, and life.