Peter Squared

Kirkus Review: Clinical psychologist Goldberg's first novel explores the twin concepts of outsider status and insanity, with a mathematical twist ... By turns comic and tragic, readers must form their own opinions about what truly constitutes sanity in an insane world. Peter, a habitual peep show user, dreads dirt, fears contamination, and lives each day in strange fantasy and total emotional isolation. By strictly adhering to self-imposed mathematic rituals, he maintains his own orderly - albeit lonely - universe in a chaotic world. One day, he meets John, a lifelong mental patient. From their respective disturbances, they form an odd, but deep, friendship. A literary novel, Peter Squared is both tragic and funny. Through vivid characters and absurd situations, Peter Squared addresses such controversial questions as: Are neglected and abused children better off protected or left alone? Is smoking really bad for you? Does fellatio violate kosher dietary laws?