To 16-year old Philip Corcoran, happiness is, well, losing his virginity. In the summer of 1980 the monster-movie buff is coming up on 17 and making a play for that holy grail of teenage boy’s universe.

Evanston writer Paul McComas follows young Philip’s romantic quest in his new book, Planet of the Dates. And, yes, there is romance. Eight Forty-Eight’s Kristin Moo recently spoke with McComas, who says the inspiration for the comedic novel came from a decidedly darker place.

Music Button: Greyboy, “Love”, from the CD 15 Years of West Coast Cool, (Ubiquity records)