Of Lions and Lambs
by M.J.Politis

Athena “Atti the Hun” Nichololias is the most hyper-intense, ultra-cynical, super-intelligent, and chronically-misunderstood comic duking it out on the B-minus level comedy circuit in Vancouver.  The only one who really understands this middle-aged social-reformer gag-girl and her special life mission is her father, Nikos, a Greek Revolutionary who is pulled closer and closer to the grave every day by a debilitating neurological disease, ghosts from his past, and a Computer Age incarnation of evil, “Ralph Reaper”.  Only Reaper and Nikos know Atti’s real purpose, struggle and the unfinished business about the child she gave up for adoption in her lost teen years.
Enter into Atti’s life ‘Johnboy’ Smith, naïve New Age Bible-thumper 20-something farm kid from Iowa.  Through a series of ‘accidents’ and numerological prayers, hyper-optimistic John comes to the conclusion that his calling is to be a stand up comic, and that Atti is his Extra-terrestrial Angelic Spirit Helper.
Against her better judgment, Atti takes on the wayward pilgrim. A friendship develops amidst the cultural tension and romantic under-feelings.  But the Comedy Camelot is destined for disaster—unless Atti can beat Reaper at the game he started—and is so good at.

Adapted for the screen and aired as a CBC television drama, 2002.
Comment:  Liked by women, particularly those who value their independence, despite hard-edged language in the book, and some technical flaws in some printings.