Joe and Azat

More about the book

Set in Turkmenistan, the story follows Joe, an American who befriends Azat, an endlessly optimistic local. Through humorous anecdotes of desert cab rides, vodka-fueled nights, and quirky business ventures, the narrative explores the absurdities of life under an eccentric regime. The backdrop of a president who launches poetry into space and enforces bizarre laws adds to the surreal atmosphere. Ultimately, the book highlights resilience and hope amid chaos, drawing from the author's own Peace Corps experiences in the region.