The Vig

Peter Alson, a 33-year-old Harvard graduate, finds himself stuck, with no clear career path. His novel remains unfinished, his relationship with girlfriend Anna has ended once again, and he has no money. When he crosses paths with Michael, a fellow Ivy League alumnus earning large sums as a bookmaker, Alson turns to the underworld for income. He joins a betting operation run by colorful figures such as Monkey and Steak Knife, and there he receives an education he never expected.

The book's tone has been compared to Basketball Diaries and A Fan's Notes, with a flavor of Damon Runyon's stories. It moves between comedy and sadness as it portrays a world of gamblers and small-time criminals.