Special Edition Hardcover of “Skinny Dipping at Low Tide” Arrives July 14 — Celebrating a Breakout Debut Novel and a Cultural Moment That Defies Logic

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After a debut that turned corporate America’s most unhinged real-world moment into a razor-sharp, laugh-out-loud satire, M.F. Hamlin’s Skinny Dipping at Low Tide resurfaces this summer in a Special Edition Hardcover, giving the cult-favorite novel “a permanent home on the shelf” and marking a major milestone in the book’s growing cultural footprint.

The hardcover arrives as Hamlin continues to be invited to speak at national business forums, regional salesmanship clubs, economic leadership groups, and community organizations – all eager to unpack the book’s lessons on corporate dysfunction, meme-stock mania, and the human cost of chaos inside a legacy retailer caught in a once-in-a-generation financial storm.

“This story was born out of a moment so bizarre it felt like fiction even as I lived it. Seeing readers embrace the humor, the heartbreak, and the absurdity has been the greatest surprise of my career. The hardcover feels like a celebration – not of me, but of everyone who saw a piece of their own corporate chaos in these pages,” said Hamlin.

A Special Edition That Signals Staying Power

Publishers rarely re-release a debut novel in hardcover unless the book has momentum - and Skinny Dipping at Low Tide has built exactly that.

The new edition preserves the acclaimed 336-page satire – described as “a unique literary ride that makes you laugh and think and admire the ‘shoveled words’” – in a collectible format “built to last longer than most of PwnShop’s strategy decks.” It also includes a bonus flipbook hand-drawn by Hamlin, animating the story’s mannequin protagonist and giving the special edition a tactile, one-of-a-kind hook for collectors.

Published by Permuted Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, the Special Edition Hardcover releases July 14, 2026. As with the original, all author proceeds support the Causeways Program at the University of Virginia, which develops future leaders committed to constructive engagement and positive change.

A Story That Keeps Resonating

Skinny Dipping at Low Tide follows Nick Haller – Harvard MBA, musician at heart, and reluctant corporate gladiator – as he navigates activist investors, pandemic chaos, and a Reddit-fueled rocket ride that sends a dying retailer “to the moon.” The novel “fuses the irreverence of A Confederacy of Dunces with the financial intrigue of Liar’s Poker” and has been praised for its gonzo-style storytelling, wicked humor, and emotional depth.

Industry leaders have echoed that praise:

“Honestly this is the funniest book I have read in quite some time.” — Anthony Chukumba, Loop Capital Markets

“Hamlin’s singular prose is playful, captivating and raw… Brilliant!” — Brian Hodous, former Chief Commercial Officer, Activision

“A roller coaster ride… highly recommended.” — Michael Pachter, Wedbush Securities

“A literary hat trick… a front-row account of the speculative frenzy that started with GameStop.” — Cullum Clark, Bush Institute–SMU Economic Growth Initiative

Audiobook Success Adds Fuel to the Momentum

The audiobook edition – released earlier this year – features Daniel Henning, the NY Times Bestselling narrator and multi-award-winning voice actor whose performances critics have called “unforgettable.” Henning brings nine Kirkus Earphones Awards, three Audie Award finalist honors, and nineteen SOVAS nominations to the project. His narration has become a major driver of the book’s expanding audience.

“Frank writes with a rawness and authenticity you rarely see—equal parts satire, confession, and cultural X-ray. Bringing his world to life was a blast because the story is wild, but the emotions are real. It’s one of the most unusual and honest takes on the GameStop saga I’ve ever encountered,” said Daniel Henning.

About the Author: M.F. Hamlin

Before skewering corporate culture, Hamlin spent nearly a decade in Nashville’s music scene with Arista Records and Sony Music Publishing. After earning his MBA at Harvard, he rose through retail and e-commerce leadership roles—including CMO at Guitar Center, EVP at Tailored Brands, and Chief Customer Officer at GameStop. Today, he serves on multiple boards and supports leadership development through the University of Virginia’s Causeways Program.