Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise tells the story of a lonely, long-haul trucker, Joe-Mack, who picks up a runaway, Freddie, in Las Vegas and drops him in Hollywood, offering to help him if needed. When the call comes, he reaches out to the boy and becomes embroiled in the lives of homeless kids. The stakes are high for Joe-Mack, Freddie, and a homeless girl, Starlet. The three have in common their search for love and a place to belong. Joe-Mack, despondent over leaving his unfaithful wife, yet spirited by a vision of the road angel, Freddie, searching for relief from a crazy home life and his own identity, and Starlet, who wants to become a famous actress, connect in Hollywood. Set in California's beautiful, yet challenging neighborhoods, the characters take on risks and maintain thin threads of dignity amidst troubling situations. "With their insides bleeding out bad memories, the runaways in Birds of Paradise are not only fleeing their past but also seeking their elusive threads of future happiness. Their griefs will break your heart, and their triumphs will restore it." Kevin Donahue, poet