Chapter I Summary and Analysis

Christopher Hitchens woke in his hotel room in New York City almost unable to breathe. He could hardly get across the room to call for help. After he was able to contact the desk, help came quickly. Christopher noticed the boots and helmets of the EMTs and wondered why they needed such heavy equipment. The physicians at the emergency room gave Christopher some temporary relief to his heart and lungs and stabilized him. They told him he would have to see an oncologist.

Christopher had just launched a book tour and was booked that evening to be on the Jon Stewart Show and appear at a sold-out event at the 92nd Street Y on the Upper Eastside with his friend, Salman Rushdie. Christopher did not want to disappoint anyone and also wanted to sell some books so he kept...