中文简介：

本书出自《萨布丽娜》的知名作者尼克·德纳索（Nick Drnaso）之手，创造了一个由脱节、不信任和操纵组成的故事。故事中，约翰·史密斯是一个道德失范的神秘领导者，十个陌生人在他的指导下走到了一起。这群社会失范者和不安分的探索者有一个共同点：他们与周围环境格格不入，渴望改变。

一对夫妻，结婚才四年已无话可说。一位单身母亲，她的小儿子有些精神不稳定的迹象。一个奇怪的女人，几乎没有任何朋友，只有她那份琐碎的工作让她感到踏实。一个模特，对自己的身材很满意，准备接受创造性的挑战。一个忧心忡忡的祖母和她的成年孙女；一个身材魁梧、热爱健身的工人；一个理疗师；一个前科犯。

伴随着激动人心的不安，这群人更加沉浸在课程中，当现实生活和想象之间的界限开始模糊时，他们最深的恐惧和欲望就会暴露无遗。德纳索通过探索我们是谁和我们如何表现之间的紧张关系，揭开了笔下人物的面具，带我们经历了一段令人不安的美国之旅。

英文简介：

From the acclaimed author of Sabrina, Nick Drnaso's Acting Class creates a tapestry of disconnect, distrust, and manipulation. Ten strangers are brought together under the tutelage of John Smith, a mysterious and morally questionable leader. The group of social misfits and restless searchers have one thing in common: they are out of step with their surroundings and desperate for change.

A husband and wife, four years into their marriage and simmering in boredom. A single mother, her young son showing disturbing signs of mental instability. A peculiar woman with few if any friends and only her menial job keeping her grounded. A figure model, comfortable in his body and ready for a creative challenge. A worried grandmother and her adult granddaughter; a hulking laborer and gym nut; a physical therapist; an ex-con.

With thrumming unease, the class sinks deeper into their lessons as the process demands increasing devotion. When the line between real life and imagination begins to blur, the group's deepest fears and desires are laid bare. Exploring the tension between who we are and how we present, Drnaso cracks open his characters' masks and takes us through an unsettling American journey.