The Legend of Cosmo and the Archangel

As high school students in Massachusetts, Nick and Cosmo make a solemn pact, pledging their unflinching loyalty to one another; little do the childhood friends know, though, life will soon test the strength of their bond in ways they can hardly imagine. Following a series of unfortunate incidents, Nick and Cosmo embark on challenging quests of spiritual enlightenment, exploring the depths of personal reflection as they struggle to reconcile their often thoughtless indiscretions with the fateful consequences that ensue. What results is a poignant odyssey of self-discovery that leaves neither of the two men the same again. With a unique, compelling appeal, The Legend Of Cosmo And The Archangel is a charming story-within-a-story. Through lyrically crafted, vivid characters, author Joseph Kaufman presents a portrait of psychological opposites, with the Id-like Cosmo and Nick, Champion of the Superego, playing off one another in rhythmic, poetic fashion. Chronicling the ongoing evolution of the undying bond between two lifelong friends, Kaufman weaves an engrossing narrative complete with tragedy, introspection, triumph - and irrepressible wit - all designed to engage the reader's interest as he relates a winding tale of the metaphorical search for truth that compels us all. Rife with timely, powerful themes, The Legend Of Cosmo And The Archangel is a moving story of the eternal search for spiritual fulfillment. An entertaining, highly enjoyable read. Karynda Lewis Apex Reviews

One might have thought the peculiar idiom of Massachusetts teenagers from the 70's would fail to engage let alone intrigue a reader, but Joseph Kaufman has succeeded in doing just that -- assembling an eclectic and thoroughly enjoyable tale about choices and consequences. I'm not sure every clique of friends from suburbia have as wild a set of lives as do Cosmo and his lot, but once it's made clear they possess steroid enhanced fates it's a very fun journey. I liked the book very much. It took me back to a lot of places, and never left the past, but somehow the ending made me think about my own future.

Fabulous book that will arouse a rainbow of emotions in the reader. I loved the creative style of an almost diary like format, and the prose itself is bursting with flavor and rhythm. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an immensely enjoyable book that will both satisfy adventurous imaginations and spiritual pioneers. Can't wait to read it again!

Joe Kaufman spins a great tale. I was drawn in from the first page. The characters were vivid and three dimensional. I was so engrossed that I read it straight through over a 2 day period by reading at every available free moment. It has a little bit of everything, it has humor, zaniness, tragedy, love, and most important of all explores in a profoundly honest way, the human search for spiritual fulfillment and self discovery. Bravo! I hope Joseph Kaufman spins us another tale soon. Moshe Averick (Chicago)