Mixing outlaw humor, SF adventure, and cutting social criticism, Shirley
draws upon his entire arsenal of narrative and commentary. The title
essay, "New Taboos" is his prescription for a radical revisioning of
America. A new novella, A State of Imprisonment, is a horrifying and
grimly hilarious look at the privatization of the prison industry. "Why
We Need Forty Years of Hell," Shirley's 2011 TEDx address, presents his
proudly contrarian view of the near future.
Also featured is our Outspoken Interview showcasing the author's
transgressive sensibility, deep humanity, and mordant wit.