Matthew Davis’s Let Me Try Again is nothing short of a revelation: a novel that is laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreakingly tender, and bursting with vitality. With this dazzling debut, Davis not only establishes himself as the first great Jewish writer of Generation Z but also delivers a book that feels like an instant classic—a perfect blend of sharp wit and emotional resonance.

The story centers on Ross, a 23-year-old whose self-delusion and hubris know no bounds. His grand plan to win back his ex-girlfriend, Lora, by proving he’s a changed man backfires spectacularly at every turn. His antics are complicated by the sudden, tragic deaths of his parents in a Turks and Caicos helicopter crash, leaving him with a massive inheritance and an unexpected responsibility: guardianship of his teenage sister.

Ross is a protagonist who, at first glance, might seem insufferable. He’s arrogant, self-absorbed, and prone to wild, ill-conceived schemes. As a middle-aged Jewish woman and the mother of a teenage son, I initially found myself rolling my eyes at his antics. But Davis’s brilliance lies in his ability to peel back Ross’s layers, revealing a deeply flawed yet profoundly human character. Beneath the bravado and neuroses is a young man grappling with grief, self-worth, and the universal desire to be loved.

Davis’s comedic voice is razor-sharp, and his humor is steeped in the Jewish literary tradition of Philip Roth and Saul Bellow, while also drawing from the chaotic, cringe-inducing hilarity of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. Fans of those shows will adore this book, as Davis captures the same blend of absurdity and relatability that made Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld cultural icons. Ross’s mishaps—whether he’s sabotaging his own chances with Lora or fumbling through his role as a father figure—are as exasperating as they are deeply funny.

One of Davis’s most impressive achievements is his ability to balance humor with heart. The novel’s laugh-out-loud moments are never at the expense of its emotional core. Ross’s relationship with his younger sister is particularly poignant, providing some of the book’s most moving scenes. As Ross tries to navigate his newfound responsibilities, his dynamic with his sister evolves into a touching exploration of family, resilience, and the ways love can emerge in unexpected forms.

The cultural references in Let Me Try Again are smart, incisive, and genuinely funny. From the absurdities of influencer culture to the awkwardness of modern dating, Davis captures the zeitgeist of the twenty-first century with uncanny precision. For readers of my generation, who may not be as immersed in the world of TikTok and viral trends, these references serve as both a window into and a sharp critique of contemporary life. As someone who often struggles to connect with my teenage son’s world, I found myself not only laughing but also feeling oddly reassured by Davis’s portrayal of Gen Z. If writers like Davis are shaping the next generation of literature, we’re in very good hands.

At its heart, Let Me Try Again is a story about self-delusion and the messy, often comical process of self-improvement. Davis’s writing crackles with energy, and his dialogue is as sharp and authentic as it gets. He captures the contradictions of his protagonist’s journey—his simultaneous arrogance and vulnerability, his misguided schemes and sincere desire to change—with remarkable nuance.

By the time I finished the book, my initial reservations about Ross had melted away. I found myself rooting for him, even in his most ridiculous moments, and marveling at Davis’s ability to create a character who is both deeply flawed and utterly endearing. This is a novel that makes you laugh, think, and, ultimately, feel hopeful about the power of personal growth and redemption.

Let Me Try Again is a triumph—an electric, picaresque novel that illuminates the absurdities of modern life with wit and wisdom. Matthew Davis has delivered a debut that is as funny as it is heartfelt, as insightful as it is entertaining. For anyone who loves smart, character-driven stories—or for fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld—this is an absolute must-read. Davis has not only written a great novel; he has announced himself as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary literature.

Let Me Try Again is available on Amazon.