Rick De Marinis Book order

Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and moral decay, the story follows Luther Penrose, a troubled novelist grappling with addiction and fidelity issues, and his old army friend, J.P. Morgan, an insurance fraud investigator. When Morgan reluctantly assists Penrose, he becomes embroiled in a chaotic series of events that lead to regret and unforeseen consequences. The narrative blends dark humor with a critique of societal norms, showcasing a vivid and flawed cast navigating a world rife with corruption.

Gus Reppo grapples with overbearing parents who have meticulously planned his future, including his career in dentistry. Their constant presence at the air force base complicates his attempts to gain independence. When his mother hints that they may not be who they appear to be, Gus's life spirals into absurdity. This hilarious novel by DeMarinis explores themes of family expectations and self-discovery against a backdrop of quirky revelations.

The story follows ten-year-old Trygve Soren Napoli as he navigates loneliness and the challenges of growing up in Los Angeles amidst a backdrop of war and family dysfunction. Struggling with peculiar behaviors and a sense of isolation, he grapples with his identity and the absence of his father. The tumultuous relationship with his uncle, who provides him with zinc pennies and resources for his shortwave radio, highlights the complexities of familial bonds. Through Trygve's experiences, themes of connection and resilience emerge in a world filled with uncertainty.

Despite the world’s insecurities, the most common drama of all is not of apocalypse now, but of apocalypse deferred; the pain of living is having to wait it out. In Apocalypse Then, DeMarinis’s characters try alcohol, they try travel, and (most of all) they try off-limits love. They find themselves in harm’s way, or put themselves there—but in life, as the title story states, "sometimes the worst doesn’t happen."

Rick DeMarinis's incantatory voice is showcased in Borrowed Hearts, featuring a blend of new works and selections from his acclaimed collections, including Under Wheat, The Coming of the Free World, and The Voice of America. The title story gained recognition in The Best Stories of the South, while "Your Story" was aired on National Public Radio's Selected Shorts. This compilation highlights his literary evolution and the depth of his storytelling.