SYNOPSIS:

As Daniel recovers from a psychotic episode and months long mental health civil commitment, he befriends a youthful quadriplegic named Samantha who is dealing with life-threatening health problems. When cohabitation becomes necessary for Sam, caregiver and client both move to downtown Minneapolis to begin a new life together. Before they can get settled in, Daniel is diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and must undergo multiple surgeries. The two navigate the American healthcare system and work towards Samantha's eventual independence, however, their relationship becomes toxic when a global pandemic shakes the nation and George Floyd is murdered by Minneapolis police officers.

Based on the author's life, this endearing platonic love story is the gooey center of a turbulent world set aflame. Through the laughter and the tears, Samantha and Daniel play off each other like a tragic comedy duo that's hell bent on finding humor within the most savage aspects of their everyday lives.

Part of what makes this book unique is that I knew George Floyd from volunteering at the homeless shelter where he was working as a security guard. He is mentioned a few times very briefly. The most unbelievable thing about this project is that I began writing "Burn this City to the Ground '' during Nanowrimo in 2018 and there was a character in the story based on Floyd. The pandemic and riots closely relate to the climax of the book and tie into the title.

I just wanted to vocalize that Floyd was an important part of the Minneapolis community and how destroyed we all were when he was murdered. The book is a side story and in a lot of ways an homage to him.