An indefatigable, irresistible, and wildly inappropriate Jewish mother takes her 17-year-old son to school in this uproarious coming-of-age comedy Tall and scattered-looking, Joseph has just graduated from high school and is ready for college. But is college ready for him ? Apparently not, judging by the rejection letter he receives from Bates and the deafening silence that greets his application to Columbia. While his friends pack their bags for schools across the country, Joseph mopes around the apartment in his bathrobe and checks the mailbox obsessively. It's enough to make his mother fear for the boy's sanity--so she resolves to take matters into her own hands. What follows is a sidesplitting series of misadventures as Meg, whom the New York Times Book Review called "the most unforgettable mother since Medea," pulls out all the stops to get her boy what he wants.

"Stern" follows the story of Irving Stern, a Jewish man living in New York City who finds himself disillusioned with his life and career. As an advertising executive, Stern is successful but deeply unhappy, feeling trapped in a world of superficiality and materialism. The novel explores Stern's existential crisis as he grapples with questions of identity, purpose, and authenticity. Feeling disconnected from his Jewish heritage and dissatisfied with his marriage and career, Stern embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking meaning and fulfillment in a world that often seems absurd and meaningless. As Stern navigates the complexities of urban life, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including fellow advertising executives, artists, and intellectuals, each with their own struggles and desires. Through a series of darkly comedic and often surreal encounters, Stern confronts his own insecurities and fears, ultimately coming to terms with his place in the world.