The Autograph Man.

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At 12, Alex-Li Tandem attends a wrestling match with his father and friends Adam and Rubinfine, where pivotal moments unfold: he meets Joseph Klein, who shares a passion for autographs; his friendships deepen; and tragically, his father dies. This eventful night sets the stage for Alex's life, but the narrative slows significantly after this dramatic beginning. As an adult, Alex is now an autograph dealer and a slacker, grappling with the aftermath of a three-day affair with a drug called "Superstar." Under its influence, he has crashed his sports car, strained his relationship with girlfriend Esther, and possibly forged the autograph of his idol, 1950s movie star Kitty Alexander. The story raises questions about whether his friends can help him avoid the embarrassment of selling a dubious autograph and support him in performing Kaddish on the anniversary of his father's death. While not as captivating or politically charged as Smith's debut, the novel showcases her skill in managing multiple characters, themes, and intertwining plots, interspersed with moments of humor that add to the chaos of the concluding scenes. Readers may find themselves needing to step back during the tumultuous finale.