At the centre of Tough Choices are the amazing stories of Tod Peterson and his son, Scott Peterson. A series of obstacles confronted Tod when he left his San Francisco home in his childhood with the aim of finding his father in a dangerous jungle. He eventually overcomes all the challenges ahead; he showed his courage and spirit, and completed the toughest journey imaginable. Tod’s story doesn’t stop there. He later survives a terrible plane crash and learns how to live a full life, even after becoming severely disabled. His life is one of great strength and perseverance.
As the stories unfold, the emphasis shifts to Scott Peterson, Tod’s son. Scott has a difficult and complex relationship with his father, which affects both of their lives profoundly. As World War II approaches, Scott faces tough challenges. He becomes a submarine commander during the war and later works as a spy. Throughout these experiences, Scott feels a strong need to prove himself to his father, trying to live up to his expectations. The book explores Scott’s struggles during the war, his personal battles, and the guilt he feels after the war ends. It also shows how he deals with the pain of loss and his own mistakes.