”The Last Single Couple in America” by Martin Sacchetti

THE LAST SINGLE COUPLE IN AMERICA

A wasp infestation. An impending 30th birthday. These are minor catastrophes for Jude, a 29-year-old gay man and Francine, his 30-ish, straight best friend, especially after Jude unknowingly sleeps with the same man Francine also slept with and was hoping to begin a relationship with causing a breach in their friendship. Then, losing his job, Jude decides to visit a childhood friend in San Francisco, possibly starting a new life there. He gets embroiled in some bizarre misadventures, including a misconstrued interview with a gay porn production company, and involvement with a whip-wielding professor into bondage and worst of all to Jude - a foot fetish. After several months of attempting to get a job, and learning of his father's ill health, Jude returns to upstate New York. Once home, Jude meets and falls in love for the first time with Chase Allgood, a handsome gay bar owner. When Jude's father dies, he is reunited with Francine. She informs Jude about Douglas de Chambeau, a debonaire, wealthy jewelry store owner she is involved with. They bask in the glow of their rekindled friendship and mutual happiness, but will Chase's quest for financial security his ex can offer end Jude's happily-ever-after? And will a long-kept secret Douglas hides sabotage Francine's chance for love rendering Jude and Francine the last single couple in America?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Martin Sacchetti received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in film and creative writing. While living in New York City, he attended the Gotham Writer's Workshop. He is an avid reader, has been to all 50 states and 25 countries (and counting), and is a staunch supporter of animal advocacy. He lives in upstate New York with his partner, David, and the spirit of their two Italian Greyhounds, Caesar and Dante. 

Martin is now an award-winning author with The Last Single Couple in America, being a Storytrade finalist for LGBTQ+ Book of the Year and receiving the Literary Titan Book Award.

Follow Martin Sacchetti on Facebook, X, and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008265436442

https://www.instagram.com/sacmar1025/

https://x.com/MartinSacc94992

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• Book Overview and Inspiration – Discussion of The Last Single Couple in America, its premise, and the inspiration behind it, including personal experiences and influences like Carrie Fisher.

• Themes of Friendship and Singlehood – Exploration of the central friendship between Jude and Francine, the significance of singlehood, and the bittersweet nature of relationships.

• Setting and Nostalgia – The novel’s setting in 1990s Albany and San Francisco, the role of nostalgia, and the importance of accurate cultural and geographic details.

• Character Development and Writing Process – Insights into Jude’s personality, supporting characters, humor vs. drama balance, and the author's freeform approach to storytelling.

• Future Projects and Recognition – Discussion of awards, reader feedback, and upcoming writing projects, including a new book and a one-act play adaptation.