Keith Gessen

Struggling to focus on his graduate work while overcoming a broken heart, Mark repeatedly takes advantage of the library computer's access to free porn, while Sam endeavors to pen a Zionist epic in spite of his limited understanding of Judaism, and Seth pursues a relationship with a selfless woman who reminds him of his painful past. 25,000 first printing.

All the Sad Young Literary Men

Gessen's acclaimed debut offers a charming yet scathing portrait of young adulthood in the 21st century. The novel charts the lives of Sam, Mark, and Keith as they overthink their college years, underthink their love lives, and struggle to find a semblance of maturity.

Ellen Chisa

Steven Ovadia

A charming yet scathing portrait of young adulthood at the opening of the twenty-first century, All the Sad Young Literary Men charts the lives of Sam, Mark, and Keith, as they overthink their college years, underthink their love lives, and struggle through the encouragement of the women who love and despise them to find a semblance of maturity, responsibility, and even literary fame.Heartbroken in his university town, Mark tries to focus his attention on his graduate work concerning Russian revolt, only to be lured again and again to the free pornography on the library computers. Sam binds himself to the task of crafting "the first great Zionist epic" even though he speaks no Hebrew, has never visited Israel, and is not a practicing Jew. Keith, thwarted by inherited notions of greatness and memories of his broken family, finds solace in the arms of the selfless woman who most reminds him of his past.At every turn, at each character's misstep, All the Sad Young Literary Men radiates with comedic warmth and biting honesty and signals the arrival of a brave and trenchant new writer.

All the Sad Young Literary Men

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