A Journey to the Dark Heart of Nameless Unspeakable Evil: Charities, Hollywood, Joseph Kony and Other Abominations

In this uproariously funny memoir-meets-travelogue, British comedy writer Bussmann (Worst Date Ever) chronicles her transition from celebrity gossip columnist to foreign news correspondent, driven by a hilariously misguided crush on a peace activist. She takes readers into Los Angeles's "Golden Age of Stupid," where she tries desperately to fail out of her day job by inventing celebrity interviews entirely until a threatened lawsuit from Ashton Kutcher leads to major changes. After interviewing former White House director of African affairs John Prendergast, Bussmann is compelled by his charm and the Kony story to "scam [her] way to Africa," ultimately selling a piece to Britain's Sunday Times. Arriving in Kampala, Bussmann is greeted by an abstinence-promoting billboard paid for by U.S. governmental aid, and stories of imprisoned journalists, and fraudulent elections. As she begins to investigate, Bussmann discovers Ugandan military sabotaging peace talks and turning a blind eye to an attack on a girls' school, among other corruption. Bussmann's razor-sharp wit and unapologetic narcissism may seem incongruous with the grim subject matter, but the dark humor provides an anchor of sanity to author and reader alike. (Apr.)