In his new novel, Sam Lipsyte explores the bleak terrain of modern day America and takes his own sort of vision quest through transcendental philosophy.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the biggest star in boxing today. He’s won six titles in five weight classes. He’s never been beaten. His nickname is Money. He wears ostrich-skin trunks and chinchilla robes. He’s got a Rolls and a Bentley. If you ask him, he will tell you that he’s the best boxer ever—and now he’s out to prove that he’s the best fighter, too.