In his day job, Frank Joseph writes direct marketing copy for publishers like me. I thought I could spot his "voice" anywhere. But a line or two into this book and I forgot that it doesn't have a life of its own.Please don't tell me the characters of Sass and Steve (or most importantly, Dora) aren't real people. I see no Frank Joseph anywhere; only a living breathing story.Steve has a flat-footed compulsive innocence -- a refusal to let go of the optimistic view. A really cool character. And Dora is so substantive you can feel her hugs or hear the click of her tongue against her teeth as she shakes a finger at you. The way Frank tied the two characters together is wonderful.This is the most engrossing book I've read in ages. You can't overstate my enjoyment. Congratulations on a stupendous achievement.