From the author ofThe Portrait of a Mirror,a modern tragicomedy transforms the myth of Icarus into a blazing romp through bureaucracy, B-list fame, and college basketball
Phil isordinary. A mid-level Washington lobbyist for a decidedly unsexy organization, unhappy in the way all mildly successful, minimally influential men are. That is until the spring of 2019, when Phils picks for the NCAA March Madness Tournament start panning out, and heads begin to turn his way. He really may do it: predict a perfect bracket, for a billion-dollar prize.

At first, Cassandra is just along for Phils soaring riseshehadforeseen it happening, after all. Despite moving in different circles since their shared university days and Cassandra never much liking him, she recognizes in Phil the making of a legend worthy of the highest art. What Cassandra fails to predict, though, is just how much shed grow to care about Phils wife, Raleighand that the grandest narrative arcssometimesunfold at the steepest of personal costs.

Dazzling in its absurd comedy,Medium Rareis not only a gambol through the upper echelon, but also a shrewd examination of madness, desire, and credibilitywhy dont we listen when prophetic women speak? A. Natasha Joukovsky delivers a story as layered and incisive as it is high-flying fun.