His answer peeks its head above the waves to tease us with everything we could become. Everything we could have.

Then dips back under to keep us questioning if we ever truly saw it.

DJ Hicks's debut novel First-Name Basis is a collection of linked, spiritual journeys focusing on the people of Suffolk Township as they pit the power of prayer against the highs and lows of life. The curtain is pulled back in this behind-the-scenes look at a church community during the "thoughts and prayers" era of religion, and everyone's secrets and fears will be revealed. Over the course of a year, pastors, addicts, children, teachers, and everyone in between set out to find truth in each other and themselves. Each day presents a new opportunity for our characters to be seen, to be heard, and, most importantly, to be known. You're only a stranger to yourself.