American Masquerade is a coming-of-middle-age book for Generation Xers. The book's narrator brings you into his life during an important transition: from Los Angeles back to his home city of Maryland, from a tumbleweed lifestyle to growing some roots. EXCERPT: Smiling I lifted my hand to assure her it was all right as I stepped towards the bar to get something to wash the food down. This wouldn't have been the place to do so, but I wanted to ask her a few things. I wanted to ask how long she held out before blowing party guests in hopes of some sort of break. I could see in her eyes the look that only comes with complete belief that it would all mean something someday. She had drank the Kool-Aid of this city and asked for more. I watched her as she moved through the crowd until I felt Murray's hand on my shoulder. You can't save everyone, we're lucky to save ourselves.