Autorentext

Michael Konik is the author of thirteen previous books of fiction, journalism, and memoir, most recently The Unexpected Guest: How a Homeless Man from the Streets of Los Angeles Redefined Our Home. His essays have appeared in more than 100 periodicals, including the *New York Times, Sports Illustrated, *and the Times of London. A widely published poet writing as MK Punky, he created the 365-poem interactive art experience "The Year of When". Konik lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a dog trainer and plays mediocre chess.  

Klappentext

WINNER of the 2025 Leapfrog Global Fiction Prize Before he turns three-years-old, Little Misha Bloom discovers his special gift: He's able to see black and white chess pieces in color, each type radiating a tell-tale glow. With the help of two old men – his Grandfather and his Grandfather's gambling buddy – he learns to play competitively, and within a few years he's one of the best young players in America. Coming to terms with his “abnormality,” Misha gradually learns how to engage with the world – adults, women, fellow chess nerds – and to accept his inexplicable gifts. With the aid of several peculiar acquaintances, he grows into one of the greatest players of all time, earning a shot at the 1993 World Championship in New York City, where the omnipresence and power of magic guides him to his destiny. Michael Konik live in Los Angeles, CA.