Luke proceeds to college after experiencing what he believes to be a life-ending heartbreak. As he meets new people and assimilates into his new life, Luke realizes that those close to him form who he is and also have the ability to annoy the bejesus out of him. One individual even drives him to blow off classes and strike out on the road with a less than desirable companion. During the journey, Luke acquires a mysterious set of elephant tusks, learns about death, and is attacked by a bobcat while vomiting. Elephant Graveyard is a novel about the necessity of recognizing the people in your life who truly matter, those who deserve continued contact no matter how you go about it.