Through a series of fictional episodes set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent years in modern history, Asim brings into pin-sharp focus how the tumultuous events of '68 affected real people's lives and shaped the country we live in today. The sixteen connected stories in this exciting debut are set in the fictional Midwestern town of Gateway City, where second generation off-spring of the Great Migrators have pieced together a thriving, if fragile existence. With police brutality on the rise, the civil rights movement gaining momentum, and wars raging at home and abroad, Asim has conjured a community that stands on edge. But it is the individual struggles with love, childrearing, adolescence, etc, lyrically chronicled here, that create a piercing portrait of humanity.

I'd rather go blind -- Something like God -- Zombies -- The genius -- Sic transit Gloria -- Drunk on history -- The boy on the couch -- A taste of honey -- The wheat from the tares -- Planning the perfect evening -- Lives of the artists -- Doo-wop -- A virtuous woman -- Ashes to ashes -- Grand opening -- Day work -- Burning desires -- Tahitian treat.