In response to rampant obesity, the U.S. government declares a war on junk food. Authorities investigate salt addicts. Candy wrappers and barbeque grills are confiscated as paraphernalia. Pre-employment urine screenings test for illicit food traces. Fast-food felons receive ten-year federal prison sentences. Diabetics are denied insulin, because the government wants to avoid sending mixed messages about sugar abuse. Police are charged with corruption for doughnut possession. Military forces are dispatched to Africa to destroy chocolate-producing cocoa fields. To discourage street gangs, like the Ice Cream Crew and the Hot Dog Homeboys, officials post Neighborhood Weight-Watch signs in suburbs across the nation.

Junk is a riotous exploration of the devastating effects of prohibition. The dystopia unfolds through the stories of Officer Justin Bailey, a cop torn between public safety and common sense; Billy Sweet, a legitimate baker turned black-market profiteer; Reverend Moe Goodman, a food-abuse counselor with a gun and a mission from God; The Candy Man, a psychotic smuggler who will do anything to keep his product illegal; and Sugar, a hyperactive Doberman with a taste for confections and blood. These disparate characters collide with hilarious and harrowing results.

Lest anyone think that it’s all a dark fantasy, Junk is peppered with poignant “mockuments” from the War on Junk Food, including court records, news articles, and letters from prison — all culled from actual drug-war headlines and documents.

Premier selection of the Parents Ending Prohibition Book of the Month Club

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Readers’ reviews:

“What I have just read is a hit. I loved every second. I started reading it and didn’t stop until I was done. When I took a break and went into the kitchen for a snack, a chill went down my spine. I could never live in a world like Junk; just the thought of it was quite terrifying. The book is great, and the thought of this marvel on film.... Oooo, I can’t wait! Bottom line — the characters were original, the story was entertaining, frightening, realistic and at times quite heart-wrenching. It blended together so well. Junk is a bloody hit, man! Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to have myself a Charlotte Russe.” — Graham Armstrong, college freshman

“Junk is a profound and absurd tragicomedy, an engaging page-turner that reads like a film. Largen devours tough issues like morality, appetite, bigotry and bureaucracy with biting irreverence, and yet it is his characters who shine brightest. Junk will entertain, intrigue and provoke, inspiring debate and exploration as humanity wrestles to define the relationship between health and public policy.” — Joe Camp, writer, producer, and director of the Benji films.

“Junk is tragicomedy for thinking people. No partisan camp is immune from Largen’s wit and wisdom, and he takes no prisoners. It was only after pulmonary exhaustion quieted my laughter that I could discern the web of political, moral and personal issues that unite modern archetypes into a cohesive and frighteningly believable plot, set in a not too distant future.” — Dr. James Quinn, Professor of Addictions and Criminology, University of North Texas

“Junk is interesting in its literary technique and approach. Largen writes well, and very humorously. Junk is valuable to our choir because it can be used to persuade those who aren’t yet convinced. Largen covers his bases carefully. Read this book yourself because it’s fun, but to make it truly useful, be sure to give it to someone who’s sitting on the fence with regard to the drug war. It’s very convincing.” — Brad Edmonds, author of There’s a Government in Your Soup

“Junk is a hoot! Largen exposes the frailties and failings of the drug war with humor and glaring insights into the heart of prohibition. After reading this book, sweets will taste a little sweeter.” — Dean Becker, talk radio host, Cultural Baggage

trade paperback 5.25" X 8.25" 224 pp. list price $17.95 ISBN-13: 978-0-9752540-4-2 ISBN-10: 0-9752540-4-9