By David Benioff
Carroll & Graf
Hardcover

Montgomery Brogan has the looks of a movie star, the money of a rich man and the RAP sheet of a convicted felon.

Tonight, he's a free man in New York. Tomorrow, he's heading to the state pen for seven years.

The 25th Hour follows Monty through his last 24 hours on the outside. He regrets his poor choices in life, questions his relationship with his girlfriend and watches his life-long obsession of being a fireman die.

Dwelling isn't Monty's strong suit, though. Pretty soon he's off for a night on the town with his friends. They all meet up to party now and remember the reason for the big blowout later.

Two of those party-goers are Monty's best friends. Frank Slattery is a bond trader. He considers the effects of suicide just minutes before he scores a two-million-dollar profit.

Jakob Elinsky is Monty's other best friend. He's an English teacher who finds himself fantasizing about one of his teenaged students.

One more night of partying. One more night with his best friends. One more night of freedom.

But before he boards a bus to Otisville, Monty has one final plan to execute. A plan that will shock everyone.

David Benioff previously published articles and stories in GQ, Seventeen, Zoetrope, The Ex-Files and Best New American Voices 2000. The 25th Hour is his first novel and will soon be made into a major motion picture starring Tobey Maguire.

Bookworm's Briefing
The 25th Hour is a very raw look at Monty's last taste of freedom and New York's "other" life - the life not advertised in tourist brochures. Benioff allows us to really get deep into Monty's soul. There's a substance to Monty Brogan that makes you feel sorry for him. Yes, he was dealing drugs. But he recognizes the severity of his mistake and the great life he could have had if he hadn't taken the easy way out. Be sure to turn off your sensitivity meter if you want to enjoy this book. The foul language and sexual content scratch this book from your kiddie's bedtime story list. Get past all that and the last chapter of The 25th Hour will leave you hanging on for a sequel.