Cherokee Spleen — David Elliott

When you've had four near-death experiences, you have to wonder who's screwing up: you or God. Step inside the mind of Andy Penny, underachieving 40-year old Florida trailer park resident, perpetual dead-end employee, and uninterested survivor. Revel in Andy's existence as he uses his near-death experiences as small talk but never truly wonders why he's still alive. Then, watch through Andy's inebriated eyes as he sees an episode of Cops filmed in Des Moines, Iowa. Feel the complete and total shock as Andy realizes the meth-addicted domestic abuse victim he's watching is none other than Allyson Price �" his “it girl.” His one that got away. His one true love, Allyson, who disappeared from his life suddenly and completely one night a dozen years earlier, a night Andy was run over by a car. Commiserate with Andy as a wave of introspection nearly drowns him, and he comes to the realization that maybe he hasn't been just not dying. Feel the epiphany when it occurs to him that maybe he's been kept alive �" for a purpose. Steel yourself with Andy's resolve as he enlists the help of his fiery neighbor Rudy to embark upon a crusade to fulfill this newfound purpose: saving Allyson Price from her squalid existence. Ride along on the journey north, armed with white trash courage, random fortune cookies, Rudy's unorthodox means of providing for them, and the gearshift from a '95 Jeep Wrangler. Keep yourself focused as events get increasingly ominous and surreal along the way, and, whatever you do, hold on tight as Andy's story culminates in some dumpy trailer somewhere. And don't forget: nobody ever listens. Part black comedy, part psychological thriller, Cherokee Spleen is a fast-paced, darkly humorous story of one barely-alive slacker's search for purpose in a world where there seems to be none.