Troublefunk is an American Love story, and it’s also about the many things that “push against a relationship and against love.” In his book, Manuel investigates his parents’ love story, what brought them together, what pulled them apart, and how music factored into that story. The poems center around two characters, “Damon” and “Denise,” who are based upon the author’s parents. Set in the 1970’s and 80’s the poems tell the story of “Damon,” who was a DJ who knew how to play songs that would make the community feel free. Denise was beautiful, intelligent and hard working. For years they loved each other intensely, but over the years both internal and external forces tore them apart. The book both celebrates their love at the same time it questions the belief that love, on its own, is enough to save.