Society allows the “Bad Boy” image to grow unchecked

Aug. 30, 2008 - PRLog -- Homecoming King. College champion. Olympic silver medalist. Pop religion icon. All terms to describe Katlin Hillmacher, the charismatic main character in the new satire POOKOO by American writer D.L. Shiloh. Another term? Bad boy. While many of the characters in POOKOO find Katlin to be a living legend to admire, its narrator knows the real truth.

“The term 'bad boy' is overly romanticized,” Shiloh said. “Men and women allow it at every turn, from the football field to the conference room to the silver screen. He doesn't drink or do drugs, he plays fair at his sport, he doesn't even swear. But he uses his addiction – sex – to leave a trail of tears. I know nature's at work with that Bad Boy appeal where the strong survive – but you can be strong without damaging lives behind you. It's an American sport that should be banned for life. It's the silent abuse."

The novel focuses on the the rise to stardom of a track and field star. Once a humble prep athlete, Katlin goes through a success-driven transformation that leads to an ego trip of runaway train proportions. The almost unrivaled ego trip includes multiple suicide attempts (that lead to sympathy), a cult following of “Pookooians” and a parking lot full of sexual conquests (including paternity suits). Even with all the adoration, Katlin mourns the loss of his imperfect life.

“It's part of the promise, the seduction and the dance that celebrity has,” Shiloh added. “It's not just in sports or movie stars or politicians. Every town has that kind of character. Women want Katlin, men want to be like him. He's the no-good, feel-good ruin for too many.”

One such conquest is Julie Martin, the book's lead female character. Julie is a bank loan manager who falls for Katlin. Katlin is separated from his wife, but while with Julie he still plays the field. Julie is in denial. “The tragedy is how Julie falls for the wrong kind of guy," Shiloh said. "It's a story lived out time and again. She's lonely, looking for a little change, a little danger, and what she gets isn't what's good for her.”

The book is now available as a free e book download or for sale at Amazon.com.

Pookoo: a satire of celebrity
$10 USD
190 pages
ISBN: 1438248164
EAN-13: 9781438248165

www.dlshiloh.com
www.pookoo.net

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