Smirking Into The Abyss
Satire, Stories, and Sundries
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About the Book
Smirking Into the Abyss is a collection of 20+ short stories and essays from the sardonic mind of Tommy Housworth. Pop culture is the target, and every cross-section, from television and politics to theatre and literature, falls prey to Housworth’s caustic wit, as Tommy skewers icons and wannabes alike with humor and heart.
You’ll experience his date with Ayn Rand, where he takes her to a Jimmy Buffett concert and changes her life’s philosophy. You’ll join Henry David Thoreau, as he lives in a modern day Walden, and becomes a cyber-addict. Meanwhile, Vanilla Ice addresses the pipe dreams of other failed celebrities in the Eugene O’Neill parody, “The Vanilla Iceman Cometh”.
Other twisted tales include: an addendum to the legend of Robert Johnson’s devilish deal at the Crossroads, a Hunter S. Thompson-inspired tale of a former political activist who rediscovers his fear and loathing upon attending a NRA baby shower, and the diary of a devoted writer who finds himself suddenly penning scripts for “Baywatch”.
Tommy also offers up essays of guidance and advice, such as a how-to guide for Goodfellas-in-the-making called “Wiseguys for Dummies”. Plus, a look at this year’s hottest performance art groups, a guide of the finest food court cuisine, and an explanation of why now, more than ever, we need a stand-up comic as Commander in Chief.
A playful blend of satire and storytelling, Smirking Into the Abyss is a fun and telling ride through our comical cultural wasteland.
About the Author
Tommy Housworth is an actor and writer from Atlanta, where he is widely regarded as a cynical optimist, a pop-culture referencing menace and, most often, Opie Taylor’s lost twin. You may have seen him on The Cartoon Network, in various independent films, or most likely, lurking in your bushes with a telescopic camera. Smirking Into the Abyss is Tommy’s first collection of short stories. His next project is raising his soon-to-be-born son, which he is certain will be even more joyful and surreal than writing this book.