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April 9, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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An Evening with Mark Mustian and Sideshow Performer Short E. Dangerously
Books & Books presents…
AN EVENING WITH MARK MUSTIAN
in conversation with sideshow performer Short E. Dangerously
discussing
Boy With Wings
(Koehler Books, $19.95)
Wednesday, April 9, 7 PM | Books & Books, Coral Gables
RSVP HERE FOR FREE
Books & Books is proud to present an evening with bestselling author Mark Mustian discussing Boy With Wings (Koehler Books, $19.95). Mark will be appearing with the current sideshow performer Short E. Dangerously, and will interview Shorty about his life on stage as part of the event.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase the evening of the event! Please RSVP only if you intend to join us.
About the Book:
What does it mean to be different? When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s yearslong struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? Following Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy With Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one’s own special way-and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.
BUY THE BOOK HERE
About the Author:
Mark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, an international bestseller shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing and published in ten languages. He’s the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Florida and Michigan.
About the Moderator:
Short E. Dangerously grew up in Ohio and Michigan before moving to Daytona Beach in 2004. After 16 years as a nightclub DJ and Emcee, he struggled to find work until he joined “The World of Wonders” traveling sideshow in 2012. This experience transformed his life and helped him discover new skills he now uses in his performances. In May 2013, Short E. retired from the club scene to pursue full-time performing. Later that year, he toured the world with Hellzapoppin, a heavy metal-themed thrill show, where he worked with talented people and performed at Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver. Touring taught him that it’s not about the money, but the bonds made with fellow roadmates.