Pink Tuxedo dives into the strange, playful, and occasionally profound musings on “nothing.” It opens with Professor Gerald Nullo delivering an eccentric lecture on the concept of “Nothing”—literally—and our protagonist, Tomasz, finds himself surprisingly engaged. Alongside Professor Nullo’s whimsical theories and their satirical edge, Tomasz navigates his day-to-day life in a futuristic and highly connected society, attempting to make sense of his feelings for Monique and grappling with his place in a world dominated by technology and social isolation.

What drew me in was the professor’s grandiloquent yet paradoxically shallow exposition on “nothing.” Nullo’s exaggerated reverence for his so-called study was both ridiculous and amusing. The line where he boasts about his numerous publications on “nothing”—like Nothingnomics and How to Talk About Nothing—made me laugh.

Tomasz’s encounters outside the lecture portray a character caught between awe and disinterest in a digital landscape. When he experiences a virtual concert in space, his fleeting joy is overshadowed by a haunting detachment from the virtual world around him. The surreal imagery, the cosmic palette, floating avatars, and mythical creatures were vibrant, yet Tomasz’s apathy reveals how such digital spectacles can become exhausting. Author C.D. Acosta captures a tech-dependent culture so engrossed in artificial stimuli that even extraordinary virtual worlds fail to make a lasting impact. I could feel Tomasz’s frustration simmering, and it reminded me of how novelty in tech often wears off faster than we expect.

As Tomasz interacts with other characters, The author deftly explores relationships in a society where genuine human connection feels optional. His dynamic with Monique is especially poignant, as Tomasz finds himself both drawn to her and uncertain of her intentions. Her enthusiasm for the professor’s lecture and the real Milky Way image she shares feels both charming and melancholic, like a reminder of the vastness we ignore in our busy lives. This moment where Tomasz finally realizes the sky she shared was not digital highlights an emotional chasm that exists in their world, where simple experiences are either commodified or forgotten.

Pink Tuxedo would resonate with anyone who has ever pondered the meaning of our digital lives, questioned the depth of modern social connections, or just wanted a laugh about the absurdity of “nothing.” With dry humor and unexpectedly touching moments, Acosta presents a satirical yet sincere critique of tech’s role in society while reminding us of the value of real, unmediated experiences. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in speculative fiction, but especially to those who feel a disconnect with the digital age and wonder about the value of simplicity in a world of overstimulation.

Pages: 255 | ASIN: B0D9R28TK3