Birdman of Tucson

Calder, reclusive by nature, gives his color tv set away (to break free of his addiction to it). In an effort to fill the void in his humble digs he decides to pick up a parrot at the local pet store. Instead of the bonding that he was receptive to and expected to take place, this bird-lover's life is turned into a certified nightmare.

Following a month's worth of assaults by this evil freaking "lovebird," he takes it back to the shop. But then inexplicably risks life and limb to recover it.

Will he or won't he? And should he get it back, will the protagonist find himself emitting his last gasp as a result? No matter which way it goes, the heartbreaking denouement is one you'll soon not forget.

For readers who appreciate Jean Rhys, Lucia Berlin, Horace McCoy, Nathanael West, Charles Bukowski, et al., and prefer their reading material raw and gritty.