On Sunday, May 12th at 5 PM, Lost City Books in Washington D.C. will host an exciting literary event where debut novelist Michael Deagler will read from and discuss his highly-anticipated book Early Sobrieties. This profound yet humorous novel offers an unflinchingly honest portrayal of addiction recovery and the challenges of young adulthood, following 26-year-old Dennis Monk as he navigates sobriety after being kicked out of his parent's home mere months into getting clean. Monk's haphazard journey of couch-surfing through a gentrifying Philadelphia forces him to confront his past actions, strained relationships, and the harsh realities of the disintegrating American middle class. With prose that is lyrical yet cuts to the core, Early Sobrieties charts the liminal spaces between our best and worst selves, delivering "a poignant confession of a recovering addict adrift" that provides vital insights into substance abuse, millennial ennui, and the ongoing search for grace (Deagler's publisher). Acclaimed authors like Percival Everett, Greg Jackson, and Aimee Bender have already lavished high praise on this "startling" debut novel, lauding Deagler's talents for crafting complex characters, capturing harsh truths with "understatement," and inviting deep reader connection through his "inviting clarity." This event presents a rare opportunity for D.C. literati to not only hear Deagler read excerpts from his tour de force first book but also gain further context through his discussion with Sam Allingham, an esteemed author of short fiction himself. Whether you're passionate about gritty urban narratives, incisive social commentary, or simply exquisite writing that gets to the heart of the human condition, this evening promises to be both profoundly moving and thoroughly entertaining. Snag a copy of Early Sobrieties and secure your spot at what is sure to be a thought-provoking and memorable literary night.