For 19 year old Joey Montaperto, New York City in the 1980s was a paradox onto itself. Gritty and violent - yeah - but also crackling with excitement, intrigue and - especially - possibility. For a young guy open to that kind of energy, this could be a city that was absolutely INTOXICATING Enrolling in a prestigious Russian drama school, he is determined to become the next great actor. But when that doesn't pan out, he hits the streets even more conflicted and alienated than ever - seeking answers. This story follows Joe from his gig as a nut vendor in grimy Hell's Kitchen to his introduction into Eastern spirituality; devoting himself entirely to the rigors of spiritual practice. That is until he is rocked by a major epiphany - stand-up comedy. Expertly taking the reader through the life of seedy bars, and his rise up the comedy ranks, where the lure of fame consumes him, it follows Joe into an affair with a sultry former streetwalker - who is also transgender. As Joe revels in that scene, and it fuels the rush, it's STILL not enough. Nothing ever is. Joe can't come down. His spiritual side is still strong and pulling him into another avenue. Where will this all lead?