Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Art Bechstein gets a few facts established in order to begin his story: His father, Joe Bechstein, is a Jewish gangster who lives in Washington, DC; Art's former girlfriend, Claire, has moved out of their apartment and their relationship has ended; Art has just finished college and, it is summer, so he is now free. These facts lay the foundation for his story of the summer after college graduation.

Art has lunch with his father at the elegant hotel where the wealthy Joe Bechstein stays when he is in Pittsburgh. During their lunch together, his father mentions he has seen "Uncle Lenny," who is not really Art's uncle, but lives in Pittsburgh and is related through business to Art's father. Art makes it clear that he does not think much of his education, which he has been working on for some...