In "The Disappointment Artist," Jonathan Lethem reflects on the unrealistic expectations he placed on art, believing it could exceed the complexities of life. He devoted his life to the conviction that art has redemptive powers, yet recognized he often demanded that it provide safety and emotional fulfillment beyond its capacity. This led to a disillusionment with the very works he cherished, which became insufficient to meet his aspirations.

Lethem candidly admits that his deep desire for art to serve as a perfect refuge left him feeling emptier. By seeking a richness from art that did not exist, he metaphorically drained the essence from his beloved creations. Instead of finding solace, he ended up in a metaphorical desert, stripped of nourishment and confronting the stark realization that he could not extract what art was not meant to provide.