The Empty Chair

"[Wagner] possesses a fluent ability to move aback and forth between the satiric and the sympathetic, the scabrous and the tender."
--Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

"Wagner's book deftly illustrates how the quest for spirituality and self-realization underscore one's understanding of the purpose of life."
--Publisher's Weekly

"While Wagner's trademark scathing satirical skills are in full force thanks to his sprightly word play and jaundiced observations, his purposeful exploration of the nature and importance of storytelling takes him in a subtly nuanced new direction."--Booklist

"Lushly embroidered with allusions to the Beat Generation...Wagner meditates on our fundamental cravings for connections--both human and divine--and meanings--both personal and cosmic--with wit, compassion and a sharp eye for the lies we tell ourselves."--Kirkus, STARRED review