Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses racism, suicide, and anti-Black biases.

Monk realizes that he is to blame for his fight with Marilyn. He resents what he has become and states that he is “unsuitable” for relationships.

Later, he speaks with Yul, who thinks he is crazy for wanting to change the book’s title to Fuck. Monk insists. The editors eventually accept.

Monk passes his time taking long walks and trying to write a new novel that would redeem him from the stain of My Pafology, which is now called Fuck. He also continues visiting his mother at the nursing home and is sad about her worsening memory loss.

One day, he receives a call from the director of the National Book Foundation, asking Monk to be a judge for the year’s Book Award in fiction. Monk accepts feeling eager to express his views on American literature. He has a virtual meeting with his four colleagues, and they agree to talk later about their initial thoughts on the novels. Monk receives several books that are candidates for the award, and he is eager to read them.

Then, his on-again, off-again lover Linda Mallory calls him and invites him to her home.