Thomas Cannon Libri

"Mikey Haskell thought he figured it out. After six months on the road, realization that his best friend, Alaine, was his soul mate. But memories of the painful breakup with his ex-fiancée, Karen, fractured his heart. To escape the emotional conflict, he borrows the mantra of hecklers and slowly transforms his stage persona, and eventually his private life, to an animal existence. A caveman that threatens to shatter his very world into turmoil. Will he realize what is happening to him? Can he pull himself out of the desperate delusion before it is too late? Is the relationship between him and Alaine destroyed forever? Follow the lonely, overweight giant as he fights for his standup comedic career and travels from the edge of sanity to the unknown." -- Back cover

Exploring the complexities of love and insecurity, the story follows Sally Story, an artist who fears losing her place in her husband Wes's life as he gains fame. As she predicts their breakup, she inadvertently drives a wedge between them, leading to a painful separation. On their tenth anniversary, they find themselves on separate dates, forcing both to confront their feelings and the impact of their choices. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago, the narrative delves into themes of identity, support, and the challenges of sustaining a relationship amidst personal fears.

An eclectic collection of short stories showcases the diverse range of Thomas Cannon's writing, culminating in a treasured piece, "Alternate Forms of Life." The main character, Alexander, who has Asperger's, illustrates the complexity and value of individuals on the autism spectrum. While he exhibits some stereotypical behaviors for comedic and conflict purposes, the narrative aims to foster connection and understanding for readers familiar with autism, offering insights into Alexander's experiences and interactions.