Imagine… In response to rampant obesity, the U.S. government declares war on junk food.Authorities investigate salt addicts. Candy wrappers and barbeque grills are illegal paraphernalia. Pre-employment urine screenings test for illicit food traces. Insulin is outlawed so legislators can avoid sending mixed messages about sugar abuse. Police are charged with corruption for doughnut possession. Liposuction has become mandatory. Military forces infiltrate Africa to destroy chocolate-producing cocoa fields. To discourage street gangs like the Ice Cream Crew and the Praline Posse, officials post Neighborhood Weight-Watch signs in suburbs across the nation.I’m the author of JUNK (ENC Press, 2005), a riotous satire about food prohibition. The novel unfolds through the eyes of disparate characters who collide with hilarious and harrowing results:Officer Justin Bailey – a cop torn between public safety and common senseBilly Sweet – a legitimate baker turned black-market profiteerReverend Moe Goodman – a food-abuse counselor with a gun and a missionPaulina – a teenage convict in an exercise boot campKyle Frankfurt – a bloated junk food junkie hell-bent on eating himself to deathFarah C. Forbes – a Tammy Faye wannabe who despises Willy WonkaGeorge Mabry – one of seven American diabetics allowed to use insulinThe Candy Man – a psychotic smuggler who will murder to keep his product illegalSugar – a hyperactive Doberman with a taste for confections and blood Lest anyone think that it’s all a dark fantasy, JUNK is peppered with poignant “mockuments” from the War on Junk Food, including court records, news articles, and letters from prison – all culled from actual drug-war headlines and documents.Would you be willing to consider a review of JUNK? ENC Press will be happy to send a hard copy or e-book your way.I appreciate your time and attention, and I eagerly await your response.Your Iconoclast,Christopher LargenAuthor of JUNK (ENC Press, 2005) and Prescription Pot (New Horizon Press, 2003) (940) 382-9210Preliminary JUNK Reviews “Brilliant! Satire at its best!” – Michael Constantine McConnell, author of Detroit Stories”JUNK is a classic comedy in the style of Mark Twain or Will Rogers.” – Jack A. Cole, executive director, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition”I loved this book so much I will read it again! A hilarious, horrifying, thought-provoking ride… So simple, yet so eloquent! Read JUNK at your first opportunity, but eat a snack first. It might be the last treat you’re ever allowed to swallow!” – George McMahon, co-author of Prescription Pot “A brilliant mockumentary with frighteningly Orwellian dynamics… Packed with insight, irony, and no small dose of hilarity, JUNK seethes like a District Attorney who just lost a case on a technicality.” – Renee Vaughn Hayes, editor of Venues Magazine”Portraying the worst and best in my profession, JUNK demonstrates real possibilities for America. It is a wake up call to lovers of liberty.” – Officer Howard J. Wooldridge (retired), Law Enforcement Against Prohibition”JUNK is laugh out loud funny!” – Suzanne Wills, Drug Policy Forum of Texas”I laughed and I cried! JUNK is beautiful! Mr. Largen possesses a talent to touch people in a way they can’t forget.” – Rhonda Cheatham, Florida Cannabis Action Network”JUNK is priceless… a wonderful character driven satire, simple and straightforward, a searing indictment of prohibition policies.” – Al Byrne, Patients Out of Time”JUNK is a hoot! Largen exposes the frailties and failings of the drug war with humor and glaring insights into the heart of prohibition. After reading this book, sweets will taste a little sweeter.” – Dean Becker, talk radio host, Cultural Baggage”JUNK is Vonnegut styled, ironical witty satire that laughs out loud at misguided causes… I cared about the characters… There’s not enough of this kind of clean, neat prose anymore. The message rang loud and clear but never screamed at me. Carry on, Mr. Largen!” – Leslie Miller, Books to Enjoy”JUNK is hilarious and tragic! I ate 2 bags of extra butter flavored popcorn by page 100! The editing is fantastic!” – Mike Smithson, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition”JUNK leads you down a familiar path and then BOOM – natural thought patterns are jolted into the unfamiliar… JUNK is a mind-boggling realization, a very imaginative approach toward a very real issue.” – Dr. Juliet Getty, Professor of Nutrition, University of North Texas
