This novel begins with a punch in your face and keeps going round for round. The satirical piece combines humor, shock, and wisdom and the struggle of identity for African Americans not only amongst a predominantly white community but within their own community. Gunnar, the main character, takes readers along for a crazy ride, and it can be easy to get caught up in the crazy, but beneath the shock and sometimes absurd comments, there is a thread that can be followed into the subtext of the novel. In an age where comments about slavery being a choice and racial tensions rise, it's a must-read.