Books: Alkie's Nightmare

THE ENDLESS ROAD (301 pp.)—Roger Treat—Barnes ($3.95).

"Listen, Peter," the voice says, "you're no good. Why don't you jump out the window, Peter?" Trembling, Peter rummages through the wastebasket, runs his tongue feverishly into the necks of the three empty bottles he finds there. Then he sees it on the floor—a quart bottle three-quarters full of bourbon. But a gleaming white boa constrictor is coiled around it, nicking its forked tongue.

Peter lunges for the bottle, despite the snake. He lurches over to the hotel window and begins his inane, compulsive ritual, shouting the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!