Jones to Sign New 'Boychik Lit' Novel at Dutton's in L.A.

Humorist Gerald Everett Jones will sign his new comic novel My Inflatable Friend: The Confessions of Rollo Hemphill this Sunday, July 8 at Dutton's Brentwood Bookstore in Los Angeles. The event, which will include the author's readings from the book, will begin at 2 P.M. in Dutton's beautiful garden courtyard.

Although some book reviewers no doubt regard Rollo's story as one more example of fratire (fraternity satire), Jones calls the emerging genre "boychik lit" - a witty, cautionary tale about the pitfalls of being young, male, and on the make. My Inflatable Friend recounts the silly, improbable misadventures of a slacker car jockey who gets himself into serious trouble when he's seen in public with the lifelike replica of a famous TV star.

Peter Lefcourt, himself a master of male-centered comic fiction (The Woody, The Deal), says the novel is "fast, funny, and sufficiently out there to be banned in Pasadena." Gavin Sinclair, author of bestselling The Management Secrets of T. John Dick says, "Rollo Hemphill's confessions take us on an improbably hilarious romp that will have you guessing what bizarre twist is coming next. Very funny stuff."

My Inflatable Friend, published by the LaPuerta imprint of La Puerta Productions, is available in softcover from booksellers everywhere for suggested list price $15.99 (UK 8.99). Convenient e-book versions have been released in Adobe PDF (available from Diesel) and PDA (from Mobipocket).

Dutton's Brentwood Bookstore has been a leading independent bookstore in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years, emphasizing literature and music and catering to readers of all stripes, lovers of jazz and classical, children, and everyone who believes in the value of the printed word. For more information on the store or its events, contact Lise Friedman at 310 476-6263.

La Puerta Productions is a developer and producer of books and digital media. The LaPuerta name and its logo - an open door - symbolize unlimited access to knowledge, opportunity, innovation, fascination, and delight. LaPuerta is also the publisher of Jones's previous title How to Lie with Charts.