Poppy Dream - The Story of an English Addict.

Book excerpt: 'Overwhelming' Geraldine Nichol. The Book Bureau Literary Agency. 'Poppy Dream - the story of an English addict' is a memoir written in the style of a novel. It tells the tale of Joe's descent into criminality, madness, prostitution, heroin addiction and later of his almost miraculous recovery. A true story of how one man's fantasies and dreams become reality - sometimes with terrible consequences, but ultimately resulting in something hopeful and good. Imagine 'Just William' meets 'Junky' - it's a very funny, human and sexy ride. Joe's encounters with famous and infamous people along the way add extra seasoning to this entertaining and illuminating lifestory. Joe was one of the first drugs dealers of the 1960's in the UK and through a naive mixture of innocence and a spirit of adventure he 'bites off much more than he could chew.' His inability to say no to sex with either men or women leads him even further astray. Set amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford, the seedy underworld of a 60's London, the glorious hills of mid Wales, a colourful, decaying Havana, a dangerous Cali in Colombia and beautiful, tranquil Paraguay the story is seldom without an entertaining moment. Joe South's recovery from a terrible addiction and his very positive achievements later give hope and inspiration to a cynical and sophisticated world. 'Joe South gives no excuses. This is an honest and moving story about someone who had the courage to turn his life around.' Andrea Machain. Paraguay Correspondent. BBC, The Economist, El País de Madrid, Proceso de México.