LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN FICTION "A master comedian with a virtuoso prose style has produced an audacious, original and highly disturbing book . . .

an incandescent satire." —Giles Harvey, The New York Times Magazine From the Whiting and O. Henry–winning author of Private Citizens (“the first great millennial novel,” New York Magazine) , an electrifying novel-in-stories that follows a cast of intricately linked characters as rejection throws their lives and relationships into chaos. Sharply observant and outrageously funny, Rejection is a provocative plunge into the touchiest problems of modern life.

The seven connected stories seamlessly transition between the personal crises of a complex ensemble and the comic tragedies of sex, relationships, identity, and the internet. In “The Feminist,” a young man’s passionate allyship turns to furious nihilism as he realizes, over thirty lonely years, that it isn’t getting him laid. A young woman’s unrequited crush in “Pics” spirals into borderline obsession and the systematic destruction of her sense of self.

And in “Ahegao; or, The Ballad of Sexual Repression,” a shy late bloomer’s flailing efforts at a first relationship leads to a life-upending mistake. As the characters pop up in each other’s dating apps and social media feeds, or meet in dimly lit bars and bedrooms, they reveal the ways our delusions can warp our desire for connection. These brilliant satires explore the underrated sorrows of rejection with the authority of a modern classic and the manic intensity of a manifesto.

Audacious and unforgettable, Rejection is a stunning mosaic that redefines what it means to be rejected by lovers, friends, society, and oneself. " Rejection is unrelentingly brutal and gut-bustingly funny and spares no one—not you, not me. Tulathimutte is a pervert and a madman and a stone-cold genius." — Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties

In the heart of a bustling city, life takes unpredictable turns for Alex, a dreamer whose heart sways between hope and despair. When her manuscript is rejected, it becomes more than just a career setback; it compels her into a self-reflective journey. As Alex navigates the emotional labyrinth of rejection, she encounters characters who challenge her perceptions, helping her to uncover hidden layers of resilience and newfound inspirations.

Rejection can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and unexpected transformation. Navigating emotional challenges often reveals hidden personal strengths and untapped potentials. Every character's journey tells a unique story shedding light on varied human experiences.

'Alex finds herself at a crossroads when her cherished manuscript is returned with a rejection slip. With her dreams crushed she embarks on an unplanned journey of rediscovery. Her story unfolds in the backdrop of a city teeming with stories of love loss and longing.

In the wake of rejection Alex meets characters that become pivotal to her transformation. Their stories inspire her to dig deeper into her perceptions of failure and success. Each encounter adds a layer of complexity and insight challenging her to redefine what it means to truly succeed.

Amid the city's bustling streets and hidden corners Alex's journey becomes one of empowerment and enlightenment. Armed with newfound courage and resilience she begins to piece together a narrative that transcends personal setbacks embracing the beautiful mess of imperfection. As Alex writes the next chapter of her life Rejection: Fiction' explores the universal themes of ambition and the fear of inadequacy.

It offers readers an intimate look into the artistry within loss capturing the seamless blend of pain and hope. Ultimately the book proposes that life’s detours provide unexpected harmony between dreams realized and dreams deferred a reality where rejection is the precursor to authentic self-acceptance and growth.

'Rejection: Fiction' breathes new life into the concept of failure and resilience portraying with vivid imagery how life's setbacks are stepping stones to unforeseen opportunities Its relatable characters each woven with rich backstories offer readers relatable insights into the everyday battles individuals face with grace humanity and humor The narrative's compelling exploration of urban life's pulse with its intertwining paths and stories captures the reader's imagination making this book both timeless and profoundly relevant.