Pink Tuxedo

by C.D. Acosta

One night, one tuxedo, one chance to change everything.

In the year 2093, Tomasz lives like most of his peers—immersed in virtual worlds with few real-life connections. Yet, deep down, he senses a void, a longing for something real and meaningful in his tech-dominated existence. When he decides to break the mold by attending a musical in a striking Pink Tuxedo, he hopes it might catch the eye of the one person he wants to connect with most.

But a strange delivery request throws his plans into chaos, propelling Tomasz into a whirlwind of unexpected events. Suddenly, he’s on the run, crossing paths with an unpredictable group who present him with a life-changing return to the safety of his old life or dive into their audacious scheme.

PINK TUXEDO is a humorous exploration of isolation in a hyper-connected world, blending comedy and speculative fiction for a wild, thought-provoking adventure.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Hello All! I am a brand new author who is interested in writing stories that are unique and thought-provoking. I am a physicist by trade, have a PhD in Physics (Optics), and love pretty much anything science and math-related. My favorite book of all time is a tie between Catch-22 and Fox in Socks! I am a big fan of historical podcasts, any type of book that strays from the norm, and spending time with my lovely family.

Reviews

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book on LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for choosing me.

C.D. Acosta clearly has an active mind and many interesting thoughts running through his head. That was one of the major impressions I got while reading this book. The story is set in a world centered around Ai in the future, our main character is a student and drummer who seems to be slowly coming to terms with how sad and isolated modern life really is. He recalls a former friend group, and we learn some of his backstory as well as the history of his city and world.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to after reading the first chapter. It was a bit slow sometimes, the dialogue was stilted and unnatural in many places, but the plot was interesting and well planned out. I could see the main character's development clearly, which was nice to read. The different locations throughout the city were fascinating, I enjoyed the descriptions and setting. There was a fair amount of info dumping, however, and one thing I found particularly odd was how the author continued to describe the many advertisements the main character was seeing throughout the city. It wasn't exactly annoying, just weird in my opinion, and unnecessary.

I liked the fact that the female love interest wasn't incredibly shallow as many women written by men are. She has interests and helps the male main character to grow and change while making it clear that she had her own path and desires she wants to fulfill.
All the characters have pretty clear motivation, which I can appreciate as well.

Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. It was good for a debut novel and I'm glad to have been picked to receive a copy. C.D. Acosta, keep writing! I think you have great potential to be a renowned author someday.

[Hailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book on LibraryThing.

Pink Tuxedo by C.D. Acosta has a fascinating concept that unfortunately didn’t fully deliver for me. The theme of technology creating isolation instead of connection is especially relevant today, and it's interesting that the novel acknowledges both positive and negative sides of group belonging, even exploring the idea that harmful organizations can exploit loneliness.

The book seems to lack depth in its portrayal of community and oversimplifies complex issues like poverty, with a somewhat glamorized depiction of hardship. That the main character achieves his “ideal” life through minimal struggle also seems to weaken the story's impact. Plus, stilted, formal writing and awkward dialogue can certainly detract from reader engagement, making it harder to connect with the characters or immerse oneself in the narrative.

One of the book’s most notable insights is its acknowledgement that not all communities are inherently positive: cults and harmful organizations can prey on the vulnerable, offering a distorted sense of belonging. This theme adds nuance, but the book then undermines itself with an idealized, almost romanticized view of poverty. The poorer communities, despite living in harsh conditions, are portrayed as if their struggles don’t weigh on them,
filled with smiling children and warm gatherings around trash-barrel fires. It’s a familiar but simplistic trope in dystopian and sci-fi fiction, and in Pink Tuxedo, it feels forced and unbalanced. Dialogue tends to be awkward, and info dumps disrupt the flow, making
it harder to immerse oneself in the story.

Pink Tuxedo is a creative work with a timely message, but it struggles with shallow execution, predictable plot elements, and a writing style that doesn’t quite match its ambitious themes. While it has potential and a few memorable moments, it ultimately lacks the depth and polish to make a lasting impact.

[Fahim Farook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking and wonderful book full of emotions. If you love the rush of endorphins that a good book gives you, then this is the book for you 🙂

Sounds like I'm marketing the book? You're probably right. I'm an author myself and I met the author purely by accident on the Internet. I read his book because he was kind enough to read mine. But then his book just captivated my imagination.

At first, what I loved was the interpolation and extension of current tech trends to create a world full of technology where people are cocooned in their tech. But as I got in deeper, the characters grabbed me. The fact that even surrounded by all that tech, that these people felt alone called out to me.

By the time I got to the halfway point, I was fully invested and I read the rest of the book in one sitting. All I can say is that the book made me laugh and tear up a little at points. And above all, I liked the characters so much that I wanted to know what happened to them next at the end of the book. And to me, that's a good book!

[Ku.Reii.Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC🤩✨
I'm trying a bullet point style review.😬

- So, this book has interracial main characters, I think.

- The FL is super bubbly. Whereas, The ML is just the ML I guess.

- A nice touch is that when "The Pink Tuxedo" is mentioned, it’s actually written in pink.

- The worldbuilding is interesting too, with hologram ads popping up everywhere and people make money by taking gigs through them. Honestly, I think reading Ready Player One right before this got me hooked on the idea. I think the personalised ads were a unique touch.

- The cover? Also unique. Or at least in my eyes.

- The dialogue felt like off... I mean it was more on the realistic side, which isn't always tue best for books. And sometimes the characters just rambled on forever. Like, 15+ pages of Mickey and Tomasz talking? That was... a lot. I think author really loves debates and conversations.

- The idea for the book is not the same as every other dystopian\ utopian which I appreciate.

- There was romance but it's more of a side plot.

Thanks again netgalley and the author for this ARC 🖤💙🎉

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

I'm going to admit that I was unsure if this book was going to be one that I would enjoy after reading the first few pages, although it was interesting it didn't seem like my kind of book. I had some doubts, but I continued reading and I'm happy to say I loved the journey Tomasz was sent on. It captivated me, it made me sit back and think of my own life and it made me want to keep reading to figure out what would happen to him and all of the people he came across in the span of just a few hours.

By the end I found myself smiling for him, because he found his community and his purpose. That's what all of us yearn to find in our own lives and knowing he was finally able to find where he belongs made me happy.

I'm grateful I was chosen as one of the readers as it was definitely a thought-provoking and intriguing experience. One that I won't soon forget.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read this as an ARC, through Net Galley

This book was a whirlwind of emotions, but positive ones. One moment you're laughing at something funny and then a few paragraphs later you're thinking about life and the future after reading a thought provoking sentence. A lot of those more thought provoking parts reminded me a lot of the show Black Mirror. I do think the story could have more depth though and I wish some scenes hadn't been so predictable.
The beginning of the book is a bit slow and somewhat near half way also goes back to being a bit slow but overall the book is a solid read. I really enjoyed reading this book!

[literatureandlex · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is VERY thought-provoking, full of emotions. sends you on an adventure in a world that technology basically controls/revolves around everything. when I started this book, it took me a second to get the jist of it (not being my usual genre). but once I was half way through it, I really got into it. in a way, it makes you ponder about your own life, making you want to continue to read to see how the character turns out. personally, I loved the ending. it was a great closing to the story in its entirety. overall, very interesting and fun to read. it DID NOT disappoint!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was taken by the blurb, but not quite sure what to expect. The story starts with a postulate about nothing. But this book is actually quite something. The story pulls you in, where you experience questions about life’s choices, a bit of romance, anarchy against injustice, friends found, the music of love. So like Tomasz (the main character) and me be intrigued, be open to a new experience and have some fun. Thank you to Carlos Diaz and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this storyline. It's not a genre I would normally read but it definitely held my attention. The story of Tomasz and how he interacted with the different characters made me literally laugh out loud at times and want to hug him too. The story makes you want to look alot at your own life and the people around you. Definitely would recommend this book to friends.

[Shawn Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read! Held my attention through throughout Tomasz journey!

[Joanna C · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting concept

This book was totally different from what I usually read. Took me a bit to figure out the inner working of the world in the story. Check it out if you want to read something a little different.

[Amber A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about life and nothing

I enjoyed this book. Very slow to start, truly about nothing (you’ll understand if you read it) but it is the point of the book. A little more than halfway the book starts to pick up and become interesting and starting to make sense. Coming to age feel. I enjoyed the meaning behind this book. Very comparable to what is happening to society now, and a possible outcome for our future.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joel Hacker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of C.D. Acosta's first book, "Pink Tuxedo"
Pink Tuxedo envisions a future where, amongst other things like immersive A.I. concerts and constantly augmented reality, folks living in pseudo-arcologies, and a significant amount of work is turned into gig work. Accepting one of these jobs while wearing the titular pink tuxedo is what launches much of the action of the novel. Interestingly, while many of the above characteristics are generally those we associate with dystopian and/or cyberpunk scifi and neo-futurism, Acosta's vision of a future integrating those technologies feels unexpectedly positive. Which I'm not sure I'm necessarily a fan of?
Unfortunately, I found this initial effort to be less than engaging. The dialogue is flat an stilted. There's also just real inconsistency in how a given character uses language. Sometimes they seem like the worst writing for Data on TNG, unable to use contractions and incredibly formal, other times (in similar settings, speaking to the same characters) they're language use is completely different. This inconsistency in tone, skewing towards to overly formal and shorter declarative statements persists in the authorial voice general as well. I am definitely not accusing the author of this, but at times it felt like I might be reading text originally generated by A.I. and maybe cleaned up and revised by a human. One of the first characters we meet other than the protagonist is a professor who studies 'Nothing' who feels like a transcript of some of the most openly pandering TEDTalks I've heard, seeking to entertain rather than to inform.
I know the author's primary background is in the hard sciences, and I know sometimes it can be difficult transition from the extremely straight forward and formalized writing inherent in scientific papers and reports to fiction or even literary analysis. My hope for Acosta is that as an initial effort this is just him overcoming those initial growing pains and that his future efforts will be more engaging and successful.

[Alexis Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.D. Acosta’s Pink Tuxedo is an ambitious blend of humor, science fiction, and social commentary. Set in a future world where virtual life dominates reality, the novel follows Tomasz as he embarks on an unexpected journey that challenges his perception of connection, community, and identity.
The book shines in its exploration of isolation in a hyper-connected world. Tomasz’s character development is engaging, and the story’s twists can be intriguing. The writing is imaginative, with detailed world-building that vividly captures a future filled with digital escapism and social detachment.

However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some of the dialogue feels a bit stiff, but those moments are far and few between, and the intriguing world building makes up for those moments.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Pink Tuxedo is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. It offers a fresh, satirical take on our technology-driven society, making it an entertaining and a relevant novel, especially in these times. Acosta’s debut shows great promise, and I look forward to seeing what they write next.

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo is a brilliant, hilarious, and thought-provoking adventure that captures the strange, often lonely world of hyper-connected living. Carlos Diaz weaves comedy, chaos, and speculative fiction into a story that is as unpredictable as it is deeply relatable. Tomasz’s journey, one night, one tuxedo, one chance, reminds readers of the courage it takes to break free from routine, take risks, and embrace genuine human connection. It’s witty, clever, and unforgettable, a story that will stay with you long after the last page

[Linda J.]

This book is one of the rare ones that manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while still saying something meaningful about the world we’re heading toward. The futuristic setting doesn’t overpower the story it enhances it, making Tomasz’s search for authentic connection even more striking. The chaos he gets pulled into is wild, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.

[Jola K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored how Pink Tuxedo takes something as simple as a bold fashion choice and turns it into a catalyst for a life-changing journey. The writing is sharp and witty, but it also carries an emotional depth that sneaks up on you. So much of this book feels like a reflection of the world we live in today: connected digitally, yet emotionally drifting. It’s a story that lingers in your mind long after you finish

[Charllot J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo reminds you how easy it is to fall into routine, to hide behind screens, and to forget that real life only changes when we make bold choices. The writing balances humor and sincerity so well that I kept alternating between laughter and introspection. The emotional beats hit harder than I expected, especially when Tomasz confronts what he truly wants from life. A brilliant, heartfelt surprise.

[Tom Kiefer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo attempts to tell an everyman main character's story of personal development and realization as he awakens from a future society permeated with AI-driven augmented and virtual reality to discover the joys of real-life personal interaction and sense of family. Think along the lines of Ready Player One, but more focused on the individual's journey than on remedying the world's somewhat dystopic state.

However, the attempt doesn't really work so well for me. Pink Tuxedo 's storyline seems largely arbitrary, a somewhat blank-slate young man listlessly drifting across an unlikely series of interactions, speaking and receiving dialog that's almost always too awkwardly stilted to be real, receiving frequent philosophical infodumps that aren't necessarily wrong but are too often too naively blunt to be believable, etc., leaving the overall experience much too bland and unfulfilling.

[Charlotemecklenburglibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that's as fun as it is smart. The speculative elements, the comedy, and the character dynamics all work together seamlessly. Tomasz's escapades in his striking pink tuxedo are thrilling, hilarious, and sometimes unexpectedly touching. I laughed, I smiled, and I found myself thinking deeply about human Connection and courage. Truly a one-of-a-kind story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo completely caught me off guard. I expected something quirky and light, but what I found was a story that blended humor, loneliness, and human longing in a way that felt strangely personal. Tomasz is awkward, confused, hopeful, and entirely real I saw so much of myself in him. By the end, I felt like I’d gone on the adventure right beside him.

[Praise Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlos Diaz has a gift for balancing humor with heart. The characters in this book are wonderfully strange and deeply human, each with their own quirks and flaws that make them unforgettable. The pacing is tight, the dialogue feels genuinely alive, and the world of 2093 is built with just the right blend of imagination and plausibility. This is speculative fiction at its most charming.

[micheal Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, Pink Tuxedo had me hooked. The writing is clever and witty, and the humor never feels forced. But underneath it all lies a sharp observation about the human desire to be seen, to connect, and to step outside our comfort zones. Tomasz’s journey is chaotic, funny, and oddly inspiring; a perfect mix of entertainment and reflection.

[Olayemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to relate so much to a character living a hundred years in the future, but Tomasz’s loneliness feels incredibly familiar. The story captures the quiet ache of wanting connection in a world that constantly distracts us. Yet it never feels heavy the humor keeps everything buoyant and warm. And the pink tuxedo? Honestly, it’s iconic. A perfect symbol of wanting to be seen.

[Samantha J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely bursting with personality. Every chapter offers something fresh a twist, a joke, a moment of vulnerability, or a touch of philosophical reflection. The group Tomasz encounters is chaotic in the most entertaining way, and their energy contrasts beautifully with his introverted nature. It’s one of those rare stories where the tone, characters, and themes all sync perfectly.

[Ethan Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about Pink Tuxedo is how Carlos Diaz makes a story that could easily have been silly or superficial into something meaningful and memorable. Tomasz is charmingly awkward, his world absurdly complex, and yet the story resonates emotionally. The narrative sparkles with wit, originality, and heart; a rare combination that makes the book unforgettable.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that feels like a movie waiting to happen vibrant, stylish, and full of unpredictable energy. Diaz has a cinematic eye for scenes, and the action unfolds in a way that’s easy to visualize but still rich with inner meaning. The plot moves quickly, yet nothing feels rushed. It’s a story that respects the reader’s imagination while entertaining them at every turn.

[Micheal A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underneath the humor and fast-paced adventure lies a thoughtful commentary on isolation in a hyper-connected world. The author never preaches instead, he lets Tomasz’s journey reveal the cost of living life through filtered realities. The characters he meets along the way are perfectly odd, perfectly flawed, and somehow exactly what he needs. I couldn’t stop reading once I started.

[Alicia John]

Pink Tuxedo is wildly creative, deeply funny, and surprisingly emotional. I was drawn in by the absurdity of the premise, but stayed because the writing had so much heart. The world of 2093 feels futuristic yet familiar, like a mirror held just a little too close for comfort. Tomasz’s transformation throughout the story felt authentic and earned. It’s a book I’ll be recommending for a long time.