Teeth - Hardcover

Gallagher, Hugh

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0671551663 ISBN 13: 9780671551667

Publisher: Atria Books, 1998

Synopsis

Neil is a dentally challenged, reluctantly hip downtown scribe whose life's work is Dusted, the 'zine that once earned him the title of New Jack Poet Warrior. But when the mag folds, Neil is left with an aching mouth and the realization that the icons of his time are either dying young, cashing in, or dropping out. It's a time of reckoning - the perfect moment to cancel dental appointments and take off on a drift through the global ghetto. From the gritty grind of New York to the dark glitter of Hollywood, through the tropical wilds of Indonesia and the crumbling squats of East London, Neil embarks on a soulful search for a woman to love and a place to call home. But answers will remain elusive until the roaming writer tests both his friends and his beliefs, and commits to a plan to make peace with his teeth.
Hugh Gallagher captures the conflict of finding one's way in a culture that mocks ambition while craving celebrity.

About this title

Review

Gore Vidal calls Hugh Gallagher's Teeth the "dental masterpiece we've all been waiting for." The protagonist, Neil, is the sort of hip, jaded, MTV-pumped, post-postmodern, literary punk who will appeal to street-savvy teens across the globe, and he's probably the most dentally challenged guy readers will ever encounter. After a freak accident leaves his teeth in shards in his mouth, Neil skips his suburban town, leaves his boring parents in the dust, finds a hovel to call home, crashes classes at a renowned New York City college, and earns his 15 minutes of fame by penning postpunk literary manifestos for a reckless zine called (what else?) Dusted. The truth is this: All of this glory and excitement is just a mirage, a facade, a set of sparkling dentures in an otherwise rotted mouth. Neil is running away from something. But what? He crosses the globe, sells his soul, and abandons his calling all to discover that the key to lasting happiness may rest inside himself--maybe even in his own mouth. Teeth is a coming-of-age tale like no other. Younger teens may be mystified by it, but older teens will sink their ummmm ... teeth into it.

About the Author

Hugh Gallagher has written for Harper's, Rolling Stone, Wired, Dirt, Grand Royal, and Flash Art. He has performed on National Public Radio, recorded spoken work under the name Hugh Brown Shü, and his college application essay is an Internet classic. He lives in New York City.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atria Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0671551663
• ISBN 13: 9780671551667
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320