New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1989. dj. Hardcover first edition - Uncommon first edition of the only book published during Christopher's lifetime, but through his teaching, mentorship, and friendships, he had a lasting impact on writers Harry Crews, Gordon Lish, and Chuck Palahniuk among others. The NY Times called this book "a double heart attack of vitality and violence, of American poverty and male wretchedness, of broken beauty and hope against hope" and Harry Crews commented "Here is a vision and voice that your heart and blood will never forget. It is about the forgotten, the hurt, and the helpless, but Peter ChristopherÕs magic makes these people whole again. I am grateful for finding this book." The last story in this book ends "My father's bigness of arms hugs me into the darkness that is the father's smell that is Mama's wash and him. My father hugs me safe." 146 pp. ISBN: 0-394571223.