In this engaging, off-the-wall memoir, Egan, a New Jersey restaurant owner, and journalist Pitzer tell the story of Egan's friendship with a member of North Korea's mission to the United Nations and Egan's subsequent adventures in unofficial diplomacy between the United States and North Korea. Egan frequently hosted North Korean diplomats at his "barbecue shack," Cubby's, and made several trips to North Korea. Thus he is able to convey behind-the-scenes information to readers. Egan's activism stemmed from his interest in American POWs in Vietnam, but readers also learn of his interactions with the Mafia and the FBI, not to mention North Korea and the restaurant business. His experience with North Korea, however, is the focus of the memoir and demonstrates the power that individual friendships formed across "enemy" lines can have. VERDICT Egan and Pitzer's down-to-earth language and irreverent style will appeal to readers looking for a funny, offbeat memoir about serious issues.

-Madeline Mundt, University of Nevada, Reno