In Dr. Nicolas Bazan's first novel, neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz finds himself haunted by a recurring dream of a banjo player in a cornfield that leads him on a personal quest to uncover the mysterious past of a New Orleans street singer known as Una Vida. Stricken with Alzheimer's, Una Vida can only offer tantalizing clues about her past through her mesmerizing vocals, incredible recollection of jazz lyrics, and the occasional verbal revisiting of a fascinating life that's fading quickly. As Cruz searches for Una Vida's true identity, he learns profound lessons about the human psyche, the nature of memory, and himself. "'Una Vida' is filled with delightful twists and unexpected turns, all centering around one of the greatest gifts New Orleans has offered the world — jazz," said Five Star's Lisa Goldman. "But the story will also deeply touch anyone who has had to witness the heartbreaking deterioration of a loved one's memory as it is consumed by the unforgiving encroachment of Alzheimer's." Launch date: November 4, 2008.