The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky: (National Book Award Finalist). This item is unavailable.The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky: (National Book Award Finalist)

Ever since cancer invaded his adoptive mother’s life, Brett feels like he’s losing everything, most of all control. To cope, Brett fuels all of his anxieties into epic fantasies, including his intergalactic Kid Condor comic book series, which features food constellations and characters not unlike those in his own life. But lately Brett’s grip on reality has started to lose its hold. The fictions he’s been telling himself - about his unattractive body, the feeling that he’s a burden to his best friend, that he’s too sick to be loved - has consumed him completely, and Brett will do anything to forget about the cosmic-sized hole in his chest, even if it's unhealthy. But when Brett’s journal and deepest insecurities are posted online for the whole school to see, Brett realises he can no longer avoid the painful truths of his real-life narrative. As his eating disorder escalates, Brett must be honest with the people closest to him, including his new and fierce friend Mallory who seems to know more about Brett’s issues than he does. With their support, he just might find the courage to face the toughest reality of all.

Josh Galarza is a writer and printmaker from Nevada. His work has appeared in Folio and Always Lost: A Meditation on War, a literary art show that toured the United States. He currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, but the desert will always be home.