<DIV><p>From a writer Steve Almond calls &ldquo;the master of the down and out that just got worse&rdquo; comes a collection of stories that live vividly in the reader&rsquo;s memory long after the final page has been turned. Taking place in a world of desperate people who cling to hope, but have few expectations, Roberge introduces us to a motley crew of cripples, drug addicts, former child actors, chimpanzee boxers, exterminators, and assorted criminals. These desperate, boldly original stories are distinguished by a stark prose reminiscent of Denis Johnson or Lorrie Moore, but are, ultimately, all their own&mdash;powerful, riveting, deeply felt, and darkly funny.</p></DIV>