Tells of the author's move from Nigeria to America, where he came to edit the influential African Commentary magazine; recounts stories of Ndibe's relationships with Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and other literary figures; examines the differences between Nigerian and American etiquette and politics; recalls an incident of racial profiling just 13 days after he arrived in the US, in which he was mistaken for a bank robber; considers American stereotypes about Africa (and vice-versa); and juxtaposes African folk tales with Wall Street trickery.

English dreams, communist fantasies, and American wrestling -- Never look an American in the eye -- My commission and a chilly American reception -- Sleepless in New York -- Nigerian, going dutch -- Fitting the description -- Are you okay? -- A Norwegian "Okay" interlude -- On a croc's back, America-bound -- Will edit for food -- Lying to be a writer -- Writing, reading, food, some ass kicking -- A brand-new American -- An African folktale, a Wall Street lesson -- A dying father, dreams of Burma and England -- Wole Soyinka saves my Christmas -- Crashing a party, changing hearts.