Tip Trencher is an eighteen-year-old high school senior and captain of his swim team. He lives on an Oregon farm with his evangelical parents and a deep mystery. His long departed brother's room is always kept locked until the day Tip's mother forgets her key and Tip discovers that his brother Thad left a series of journals about his initiation into gay pagan rituals.

Studying his brother's journals, Tip recognizes his own suppressed desires, and explores his sexuality with fellow swimmers Lyle and Jeep. Advancing their throbbing intimacy, the trio conceal their sexual bond from their homophobic teammates. As Tip unravels the family mystery while devouring every morsel of gay pleasure, he must resist his rural community's social prejudices and preserve his perilous relationship with his parents. Only through fierce determination can Tip discover what transpired under the moon's deep circle.