Last Dance in Paradise

Paradise, NJ, 1995. The specter of AIDS hangs heavy in the air. Over the course of a single day, a small community on the banks of the Hudson River prepares for an extraordinary event. Paradise has long been a sanctuary for artists and the LGBTQ+ community. Beloved resident Timmy 'Melons,' finds himself close to the end as AIDS ravages his body. As the weight of mounting medical bills threatens to crush him, the town unites in a powerful display of love and solidarity. A tapestry of characters, including Mother Capellini, Pia Rossi and Liz Trailer, each grappling with their own challenges and dreams, all converge to stage a show to raise funds to help Timmy. Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a deeper narrative of a community of drag queens and transsexuals, drug dealers and working girls, gays and lesbians, standing tall against a society that has turned its back on those afflicted by AIDS. Through the pages of this heart-felt novel, you will experience the raw emotions, the triumphs, and the heart-wrenching struggles of individuals who refuse to be silenced or forgotten. Last Dance in Paradise is a story that celebrates the power of love, compassion, and the unbreakable bonds of chosen family. It is a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can shine with resilience and hope.