Giuseppe Strazzeri Books

From the bestselling author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius , What Is the What is the epic novel based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng who, along with thousands of other children —the so-called Lost Boys—was forced to leave his village in Sudan at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom. When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges. Moving, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny, What Is the What is an astonishing novel that illuminates the lives of millions through one extraordinary man. -back cover

In this extraordinary memoir, emotions intertwine, allowing readers to laugh and cry simultaneously. After the death of their parents, Bill, Beth, and the narrator grapple with loss and anger. Bill, at twenty-four, opts for peace amidst the chaos, while Beth and the narrator, both fueled by rage, engage in conflicts with anyone around them. They seek to reclaim their lives in California, driven by a reckless determination to reinvent themselves. The narrator and young Toph, with his playful demeanor, embrace a sense of responsibility to reshape their world. This reckless exhilaration stems from a belief that life is unpredictable; having lost their parents, they feel anything is possible, for better or worse. Their experiences in San Francisco are marked by a mix of absurdity and ambition, as they navigate a landscape filled with eccentricity and a desire to break boundaries. Amidst this, they confront their energy and restlessness, contemplating the duality of wanting connection and the urge to escape. The memoir captures this tumultuous journey of youth, grief, and the quest for identity in a vibrant, chaotic world.

Featuring a dynamic blend of adventure and emotion, the collection showcases Dave Eggers' talent for crafting compelling short stories. Each tale is infused with a sense of urgency and exploration, inviting readers into unique narratives that resonate deeply. Eggers, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, brings his signature style and insight, making this collection a refreshing take on the short story format.

No subject is as intensely personal to the writer as boxing. Writing about boxing means writing about oneself, compelling us to explore not only the sport but the very boundaries of civilization—what it means or should mean to be 'human.' This volume is dedicated to the dazzling career of Mike Tyson, the "prodigy" of world boxing. It offers a comprehensive portrait of the greatest boxer of our time, tracing the champion's journey from challenging beginnings to the heights of the ring, delving into both his sporting and personal experiences.