Gordie begins the book by writing, “The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of, because words diminish them—words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living size when they’re brought out” (1). Immediately, this reveals that the following story is Gordie’s attempt to express something important while also accepting that it won’t convey the full depth of his experience.

Gordie’s friends beg him to tell stories. The story about Davie Hogan and the pie eating contest is perfect for the campfire setting and brilliantly represents Gordie’s creativity and sense of humor. At the campfire, he’s a pure entertainer. He also tells Le Dio stories because they’re entertaining and they comfort Teddy.

The adult Gordie’s examination of Stud City shows another side of his storytelling. It’s the first story he ever finished. In hindsight, he realizes that Stud City was his first, fumbling attempt to write about sexuality, about his brother’s death and the void it left in his home, and about his need to find his own path in life. He enjoyed writing the story, but it was also useful for him.