Alan Abama - a loud-mouthed, chubby, and short politician - hails from Birmingham. He married 5 women, two of whom were lesbians and three  from wealthy families. As a politician, having three children is supposed to be good for his reputation. However, all three of them are as deranged as the man they share their DNA with. On the other hand, Virginia Richmond, an Australian now living the New York life, is famous for swapping lovers from time to time, thus giving her the nickname Randy Richmond in high school. Many would say her life was still marginally better than Alice Springs, a hooker arrested on a murder charge. All three live completely separate lives in different parts of the globe, but they have one thing in common - they will soon face the fate they rightfully deserve.

Citizen Vain by Gerry Burke is a compilation of 15 short stories taking place in different parts of the world. All characters are bizarre in their own way and present an unseemly picture of the world. As the author describes it, their “downfall is their just desserts.” Burke has given the readers some of the most epic reads, such as Paddy’s People - tales of life, love, laughter, and smelly horses, which also won the Independent Publisher Book Award. This book is a gorgeous addition to other books by the famous, well-versed, and incredibly talented author. Citizen Vain is a great piece of literary work featuring well-crafted stories with focused scenes and unpredictable endings. They are infused with realism and humanity and warn readers that our actions have consequences, and these consequences can be surprisingly bad. Readers will adore Burke’s beautiful prose and his storytelling skill; each tale is absorbing, balanced, and deftly plotted.