In 1992 James Flynn lands a bottom-rung job at Commodore Pictures, a notorious grindhouse studio that launched the careers of countless Hollywood legends in the 60s and the 70s. A chemically-enhanced epiphany during the riots convinces Flynn that success depends on befriending Gordon Luker, Commodores visionary founder and industry rebel, who has reportedly gone insane and become a virtual recluse. Flynns quest for Luker leads him through an increasingly surreal landscape filled with natural disasters, an historic murder trial, several relationships, and a host of unforgettable characters ranging from the super-famous to societys outcasts. As Flynn closes in on Luker, he begins to understand what really called him West in the first place.

In particular, this book uses alternative theoretical perspectives to focus on how young children are 'doing' gender in kindergarten classroom. Rather than relying exclusively on biological and socialization theories of gender construction, Blaise breaks down theoretical barriers with new understandings of how gender is socially and politically constructed by young children.

Outgrowth of the author's thesis (Yale University, 2007) under the title: The plague of jocularity: contesting humor in American art and culture, 1863-1893.