The novel is a first-person narrative, a monologue by a young Jewish man, Alexander Portnoy, who is speaking to his psychoanalyst. He shares his struggles with his identity as a Jewish man in America, his sexual fantasies and frustrations, his complex relationship with his overbearing mother, and his experiences of guilt and shame. The book uses humor and frank language to explore themes of identity, sexuality, and the Jewish experience in America.

The U.S.A. Trilogy is a series of three novels that chronicle the lives of various characters in the first half of the 20th century in the United States. The narrative intertwines the stories of twelve characters as they navigate the societal changes and upheavals of the era, including World War I, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hollywood. The author uses a unique narrative technique that combines traditional prose, newspaper-style headlines, biographies, and stream-of-consciousness writing to paint a vivid picture of American life during this period.

The novel revolves around the lives of the Lambert family, an old-fashioned midwestern couple and their three adult children. The parents, Alfred and Enid, are dealing with Alfred's Parkinson's disease and their own marital problems, while their children are each facing their own personal and professional crises. The narrative explores the themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the struggles of modern life. The story climaxes with the family's last Christmas together at their childhood home.

This novel follows the life of a successful Wall Street bond trader who, after a wrong turn in the Bronx, finds his life spiraling out of control. After a hit-and-run accident in a predominantly black neighborhood, he becomes the target of a political witch hunt, exacerbating racial tensions in the city. As the protagonist's world unravels, the story provides a satirical commentary on 1980s New York City, exploring themes of racism, classism, politics, and greed.

The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

This classic novella explores the life of a young writer in New York City and his relationship with his neighbor, a charismatic and eccentric woman who lives off the generosity of wealthy men. The woman, who dreams of a life of luxury and freedom, captivates the writer with her charm and mystery. The story is a poignant examination of love, friendship, identity, and the struggle for personal freedom in a society bound by conventions.

The novel is a complex and lengthy examination of authenticity and forgery. It tells the story of a young man who becomes a master forger of Old Masters paintings, while exploring themes of identity, religion, and art. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist grapples with his own authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances and material success. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical and religious discussions, making it a challenging yet thought-provoking read.

This novel revolves around an advice columnist, who writes under the pseudonym "Miss Lonelyhearts", for a New York newspaper during the Great Depression. As he reads and responds to the desperate letters from the city's distressed and downtrodden, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and depressed, struggling with his own faith, identity, and the bleakness of the human condition. The protagonist's personal life also spirals out of control, entangling him in a series of complicated romantic relationships and leading to a tragic conclusion.

The book follows the ambitious and cunning Undine Spragg, a beautiful Midwestern girl who marries her way into New York high society. Undine's insatiable desire for wealth, status, and comfort leads her through a series of marriages and divorces, each time climbing higher on the social ladder. However, her ruthless pursuit of success and disregard for social norms ultimately leave her feeling empty and dissatisfied. The novel offers a critique of American society and its values during the early 20th century.

This book is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of a blonde flapper named Lorelei Lee, who uses her looks and charm to climb the social ladder. Lorelei, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, is a materialistic and somewhat naive woman, who values men for their wealth and status. The story, presented as Lorelei's diary, humorously explores themes of gender, class, and the American pursuit of wealth and status in the early 20th century.

"Mumbo Jumbo" is a satirical and unconventional novel that explores the cultural and political landscape of 1920s America. The narrative centers around an ancient virus known as "Jes Grew" which is spreading rapidly, causing people to dance, feel joy and lose their inhibitions. The protagonist, an African-American detective, is tasked with finding the text that supposedly contains the cure for this "disease". The book uses this premise to critique Western civilization and its attempts to suppress African and other non-European cultures.

"Blood and Guts in High School" is a postmodern feminist novel that follows the life of a young girl named Janey Smith, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after being sexually exploited by her father. The narrative, fragmented and nonlinear, explores themes of sexual liberation, identity, and rebellion against societal norms. The protagonist's experiences are depicted through various forms of writing such as dream sequences, drawings, and plagiarized texts, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The novel is a satirical critique of capitalism, narrating the story of an 11-year-old boy who builds a vast financial empire from his school's payphone. Using the adults around him as pawns, he manipulates the system to his own advantage, turning junk bonds into high profits. The narrative unfolds almost entirely through dialogue, making it a challenging but rewarding read. The book is a commentary on the American dream, exploring themes of greed, exploitation, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism.

"Mao II" is a novel that explores the life of a reclusive novelist who hasn't been seen in public for many years. The protagonist is drawn out of his seclusion when he becomes involved in an international crisis involving a hostage situation in Beirut. The book delves into themes of terrorism, mass culture, and the power of the written word, while examining the relationship between the individual artist and the collective society.

The book follows the life of Horse Badorties, a free-spirited, eccentric, and somewhat delusional hippie living in New York City during the 1970s. Horse is obsessed with fans and spends his days collecting them, resulting in a chaotic apartment filled with hundreds of fans. His life is a series of comedic and bizarre adventures as he interacts with a variety of outlandish characters, starts a band, and plans a concert in Central Park. The narrative is infused with a unique blend of humor, absurdity, and a touch of melancholy, capturing the spirit of an era and the eccentricities of its protagonist.

The novel follows the life of a former serious novelist turned tabloid editor in New York City. The protagonist's life takes a turn when he gets involved with a B-movie actress and a gangster who wants to finance his own movie. The story is a mix of adventure, comedy, and satire, offering a humorous and insightful look into the world of tabloid journalism.

This collection features the complete works of a renowned American author, known for his dark humor and social criticism. The book includes four novels and various other writings that depict the disillusionment and despair of the Great Depression era. His stories often revolve around aspiring artists and Hollywood dreamers, exploring themes of fame, illusion, and the American Dream. The author's unique style blends satire and tragedy, creating a distinct voice in 20th-century American literature.

The novel follows the life of a young, beautiful, and wealthy woman living in New York City who decides to enter a year of drug-induced sleep to escape her disillusionment with life and the world around her. Encouraged by her eccentric, unethical psychiatrist, she spends most of her time sleeping, waking only to eat, watch movies, and occasionally socialize with her best friend. The book explores themes of depression, alienation, and the search for meaning in a modern, materialistic society.

"Take It Or Leave It" is a unique narrative that blends fiction and autobiography. The story is about a French-American man who is drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. The narrative is non-linear and fragmented, often digressing into side stories and anecdotes. The protagonist shares his experiences of growing up in France during World War II, his immigration to the United States, and his experiences in the army. The book plays with the conventions of storytelling and is known for its postmodern style.

The novel is a satirical exploration of the New York City art world through the eyes of a young Midwestern man who arrives in the city in search of his biological father, a reputed artist. As he delves into the bohemian circles of Greenwich Village, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including eccentric painters, writers, and critics. His journey becomes a rite of passage, revealing the pretensions and absurdities of the artistic elite, while also offering an affectionate portrait of the city's creative milieu during the mid-20th century. The protagonist's quest for identity and acceptance leads to both comic mishaps and poignant realizations about the nature of art and the complexities of human relationships.

The novel explores the complex and often absurd world of American law and litigation. The protagonist is a retired law professor who is embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including one against himself. The narrative is filled with legal documents, depositions, and court transcripts, which serve to critique the convoluted and often nonsensical nature of the legal system. The book also satirizes the American obsession with wealth and property, and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

The book satirizes the American Dream through the misadventures of its protagonist, a young man who leaves his rural home to seek fortune and success in the big city. Despite his unwavering optimism and adherence to traditional values, he faces a series of increasingly absurd and unfortunate events that strip him of his possessions, dignity, and illusions. The narrative unfolds as a darkly comedic critique of the socio-economic landscape of the time, exposing the harsh realities of capitalism and the myth of equal opportunity.

The novel follows the story of a young aspiring playwright who moves to New York City with dreams of making it on Broadway. He becomes the protégé of an eccentric older gentleman, a self-styled "extra man" who escorts wealthy widows in the Upper East Side's high society. As the protagonist navigates his new life, he is drawn into a world of old-world manners, transgender escapades, and odd human connections, all while grappling with his own identity and aspirations. The narrative is a comedic and poignant exploration of loneliness, friendship, and the quest for personal authenticity in a city that often feels overwhelming and surreal.

"May We Be Forgiven" is a darkly comedic and deeply introspective novel that follows the life of Harry Silver, a middle-aged Nixon scholar whose life unravels after a tragic event. As Harry navigates through a series of unexpected and bizarre situations, he grapples with themes of family, identity, and redemption. With sharp wit and poignant observations, the book explores the complexities of human relationships and the possibility of finding forgiveness and second chances in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

This novel is a satirical romance set in a dystopian near-future where America is on the brink of financial collapse, youth obsession rules, and love is the only salvation. The story revolves around a middle-aged, neurotic man who falls in love with a much younger woman in a society where digital communication is the norm, and privacy is a thing of the past. Their relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of economic and social chaos, providing a poignant commentary on modern life.