Going Native

This extraordinary work that was met with both critical and popular acclaim in hardcover reads like a frightening, resonant nineties version of Jack Kerouac's "On The Road." Author Stephen Wright transports readers from the claustrophobia of the suburbs to the freedom of the open road and the pursuit of the American dream--or nightmare--in this remarkable novel that reveals the darkest side of our civilized society. It begins with the story of Wylie Jones, a nice man who walks out of a backyard barbecue and embarks on a postmodern adventure of disturbing proportions. Stealing his neighbor's Ford Galaxy 500, he traverses a country filled with unexpected turmoil--where crackheads lurk in the suburbs, a lesbian couple run a Las Vegas wedding chapel, and a fabulous L.A. dinner party is blown to bits. By turns scathing and hilarious, outrageous and on-target "Going Native" is the story of one man's odyssey into the heart of darkness at the center of contemporary American life."A chilling and often brilliant novel."-- "The New York Times"

"An impressive literary performance, and Mr. Wright has more than confirmed the sense that he is a most distinguished literary performer."-- "The Wall Street Journal"

"Bursts with originality."-- "The New York Times Book Review"

"Ravishing... triumphant."-- "The New Yorker"

"An astonishing novel."--Toni Morrison