Chris Jones has a gift for creating desire-a result of his own passionate desire to be anywhere but where he is, to be anyone but himself. Sick of the constraints of his black working-class town, he uses his knack for creating effective ad campaigns to land a dream job in London. But life soon takes a turn for the worse, and Chris finds himself back in Philly where his only job prospect is answering the phones at the electric company. Surounded by the down-and-out, Chris hits rock bottom. Only a stroke of inspiration and faith can get him back on his feet.
The funny and heartfelt tale of a young black man who, in the process of trying to break free from the city he dispises, comes to terms with himself.
'Nuanced, elegant and witty' -Publishers Weekly
'A very humorous debut novel… Johnson's poetic reflections recall the work of James Baldwin….Wonderfully written.' -Library Journal
