Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow opens with Ian anticipating his mother's return from the hospital. Ian's mother has been hospitalized for opioid addiction. Ian struggles to comprehend the world around him and wonders how he can help his mother and hold his family together. Later in the week, the hospital discharges Ian’s mother and directs her to recover from home.
When Ian quits his basketball team to spend most of his time at home to care for his mother, he receives an unexpected visitor. A big stray dog visits Ian's home, and he decides to adopt it. The dog's name is Gather, and he becomes a very good companion to Ian. Ian and Gather become affectionate and spend most of their time together. Despite the many challenges Ian faces as a young adult, he manages to do casual jobs to help his mother and hold together his family. Ian helps friends and neighbors fix household items, and they pay him for each service he offers.
The novel concludes when a tragedy strikes and Ian's dog runs away to the woods. Ian becomes confused and seeks the community's help to help him bring back his best companion, Gather. The community will do everything possible to help Ian return his dog. Ian is confused because he does not know if he should leave his ailing mother to search for Gather or remain home to care for the mother.
