The Treehouse Diaries

Previously published as "Diary of a Teenage Moon Goddess," The Treehouse Diaries follows Lt. Felix Madden as he withdraws into memories of his early years to escape the constant fear and torment of captivity by the Khmer Rouge.

The story opens as 13-year-old Felix meets Diana, a strange and troubled girl with penchants for lying and keeping a diary. Recently rescued by her grandmother, Diana sneaks out at night to roam the empty streets and beaches of the local area.

When Felix convinces three other misfits to join his dream of building a multilevel treehouse, Diana catches them one night stealing lumber for the project and ends up joining them.

After completing the first level, they celebrate at midnight with pilfered beer. During the party, Diana suggests a game. One that changes their lives and leads them to unimagined triumphs and crushing defeats. Yet the gang sticks together through high school and the unexplained murders of several classmates until adulthood and the Vietnam War finally fracture them, leaving only Felix and Diana. Along with the diary of memories Felix relives during his struggle to survive.

But Felix has no idea what awaits him should he make it home again. While Diana, not knowing if he's still alive, continues writing to her real diary. Right up until the time she vanishes. And therein lies the final mystery.