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!

[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!

[Lexi Mazzie (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.

[Bookfairy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank the author for providing an ARC, I wish I had better things to say.

Wow, this story has enough meat for about 40 pages, I really wanted to enjoy this, I love the cover design, the idea sounded fun, but it just did not deliver.

I think this comes across as a first draft that badly needs an editor--not for grammatical or spelling issues, but for story flow, dialogue, repetition, and maybe story development.

It's not clear what the point of any of it was, I wanted to know more about the supposed future we were in, and anything different or more advanced was not really shown or explained much, nor did it seem very important, it might as well have been a contemporary story.

So it didn't deliver on the sci-fi element, or the story, and the characters? Every interaction was drawn out far longer than necessary, but not because of development or banter, there's a lot of "what did you think?" "Oh it was great, I'm not sure what I'm doing now" kind of back and forth, just, slow as molasses and not enjoyable. I'm glad there was a tiny bit of new slang thrown in to make it vaguely interesting.

Sadly, I do not recommend this one.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing read! Pink Tuxedo blends dry humor, futuristic chaos, and genuine emotional vulnerability in a way that’s rare. Tomasz’s growth as a character is gradual and believable, and the cast he meets along the way keeps the story vibrant. It’s the kind of novel that makes you appreciate both the absurdity and the beauty of taking risks in life.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most about Pink Tuxedo is how Carlos Diaz captures that feeling of wanting to be seen, really seen, in a world overflowing with digital noise. Tomasz’s journey feels both futuristic and painfully familiar. The humor is sharp, but the emotional moments hit with quiet honesty. It’s a story that makes you root for the courage to do something bold

[Usman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is funny on the surface, but beneath that comedy is a story about rediscovering human connection. Tomasz’s seemingly small decision becomes a catalyst for everything he’s been afraid to face. The writing is vibrant, clever, and full of personality. It’s rare to find a book that balances silliness and soul this well.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the contrast between the chaotic events and Tomasz’s gentle, introverted nature. Watching him get swept into something bigger than himself was both heartwarming and entertaining. Diaz writes with a sense of playfulness that keeps the pages turning. By the end, I felt genuinely inspired to take more risks in my own life

[Temmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo feels like a reminder that even our strangest moments can lead us somewhere meaningful. The blend of speculative fiction and humor is masterfully done. Diaz paints the future with imagination while grounding everything in emotional truth. Tomasz’s search for connection resonated with me deeply

[Basit Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with clever observations about modern loneliness. Even though it’s set in 2093, so much of it reflects the world we live in today, where people are connected to everything except each other. The way Tomasz breaks out of that cycle is both funny and uplifting. A truly refreshing read

[Alex Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from a book titled Pink Tuxedo, but it exceeded every expectation. It’s strange in the best way, quirky, unpredictable, and full of heart. The pacing is tight, the dialogue snappy, and the emotional payoff beautifully earned. Carlos Diaz has written something unforgettable.

[Usman Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One of the strengths of this novel is its subtle wisdom. The characters are wild and the situations chaotic, yet the message is simple: life happens when you step into the unknown. Diaz’s writing makes even the absurd moments feel meaningful. I smiled through most of it and paused at the end just to sit with the feeling.”

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pink Tuxedo is such a unique blend of genres, but what holds it together is Diaz’s voice confident, funny, and deeply humane. The characters he introduces are vibrant and layered, each adding depth to Tomasz’s transformation. It’s a book that made me laugh, think, and reflect all at once.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed how the story balances inner conflict with outer adventure. Tomasz is relatable in his hesitation, yet the world around him pushes him toward growth in ways he never imagined. The humor is fresh and the emotional moments sincere. It’s a book that lingers in the best way.

[Emmey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel captures that uncomfortable space between wanting comfort and craving something more. Tomasz’s journey is absurd, but it’s the kind of absurdity that reveals truth. Diaz crafts a world that’s amusingly exaggerated yet strikingly familiar. I found myself smiling at how real it all felt.

[James Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes Pink Tuxedo special is how grounded the emotional core is beneath all the humor. Tomasz might live in 2093, but his fears and desires are timeless. The cast of odd characters he meets adds so much life and depth. The story is both chaotic and heartfelt a rare and delightful combination.

[Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diaz brings a cinematic energy to this story. The scenes move with such rhythm that it feels like watching a film unfold. But what elevates it is the intimate perspective into Tomasz’s mind. His vulnerability, confusion, and quiet hope give the book its heart. Absolutely charming