John Vincent Dolan is a talented young forger with a proclivity for mathematics and drug addiction. In the face of his impending institutionalization, he continually reinvents himself to escape the legal and mental health authorities and to save himself from a life of incarceration. But running turns out to be costly. Vincent’s clients in the L.A. underworld lose patience, the hospital evaluator may not be fooled by his story, and the only person in as much danger as himself is the woman who knows his real name.Praise for Craig Clevenger’s THE CONTORTIONIST’S HANDBOOK“Clevenger has produced an utterly persuasive and compelling novel, combining the zest and enthusiasm of a new voice with the craft and the guile of a veteran…The Contortionist's Handbook is so accomplished, and in so many different ways, that it instantly elevates Craig Clevenger into the top echelon of writers.” – Irvine Welsh, The Guardian (UK)“I swear to God this is the best book I have read in easily five years. Easily. Maybe ten years.” – Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club and Choke“Clevenger’s talent is revealed in his ability to create a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit.” – USA Today“Clevenger delivers images that sear themselves into your mind. The result is a novel that is hard, pure, remarkably accomplished.” – Seattle Times“…the literary equivalent of the cult film ‘Memento’…In tone, it is reminiscent of William Gibson's work, but Clevenger has his own attitude and a film-noirish literary style that is unique.” – San Francisco Chronicle“What sticks about this remarkable debut are its pitch-perfect shock ending and John Vincent himself – his complex, conflicted mind, original voice and unnervingly self-defeating existence.” – Time Out New York“Handbook has a tough-as-nails style that recalls classic noir novels by James M. Cain or Cornell Woolrich…no simple trick.” – Dallas Morning News “…showcases a promising voice…” – Santa Barbara News-Press“Expert writing. Tight, mean, lean and focused. It commands your attention with terse writing. It rewards by providing new insights into how people drift above and below society’s consciousness.” – Texas Monthly“It’s the bold, knowing, black and blue of the soul that really gives kick to this small tall tale. There’s a beautiful mind at the end of is tether…” – Bully Magazine “A gritty, in-your-face story. Grade: A.” – Dallas Magazine“Immaculately detailed and emotionally explosive: this is rolling, riveting stuff, of a piece with stylish, edgy movies like Memento and Requiem for a Dream.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“…well crafted…Clevenger is a solid writer.” – Publishers Weekly“…Clevenger reveals himself through his first novel to be an abnormally gifted writer – with a remarkable power to spin narrative…Clevenger’s rich vision of being down-and-out reverberates with Michael Chabon’s vision of 1930s New York in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.” – CultureVulture.net“…there is nothing forged about Clevenger’s novel; his descriptions of people, sex, and life are incredible writing.” – Rain Taxi Review“Clevenger cleverly creates a modern-day Mr. Ripley.” – Booklist