Button Man — Paul Lyons

During the scorching hot summer of 1988, Michael Dukakis leads George Bush senior in the polls. And while political conventions, campaigns continue to be in session, Hawk and the rest of the "button gang" sell their buttons first to Democrats in Atlanta, then Republicans in New Orleans. As always, the gang sells to either side of any persuasion, offering a unique underview of the American political process, amoral hucksterism, and a corrupted form of capitalism.

Sought after by loan sharks and his girlfriend's Ginsu-wielding ex-husband, Hawk is a witty and likeable character full of street smarts and unmatchable survival instincts. His story explores trust-and trust betrayed, along with the ethics of the street-and ethics compromised. Hawk's tale is one of an edgy outsider's will for survival and love.

Drawing from a side of politics and capitalism rarely seen by the general public, BUTTON MAN, with its unnerving violence and biting wit, is reminiscent of the worlds of Elmore Leonard, Nathaniel West, William Kennedy, and Quentin Tarantino.