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Alex also tells these lies to Jonathan. Alex assumes that Jonathan has the same interests and telling this to Jonathan will both impress him and make him desire to be his friend. According to Menachem Feuer, in order to build credibility with Jonathan, Alex makes references to American culture. For example, Alex says "I dig American movies. I dig Negroes, particularly Micheal Jackson " (Foer 2). In a letter to Jonathan, Alex says "Why do we not make the story more premium than life " (Foer 179). Alex illustrates an idea that Jonathan could make the story superior by lying to the readers and making changes to what really happened. Alex also lies to Jonathan when his grandfather makes negative remarks. For instance, grandfather says "I cannot drive if he is going to talk " (Foer 57). Instead of translating what grandfather says, Alex tells the hero that grandfather said there are many buildings in Lutsk. .
On page 144, Alex admits that he was lying and explains to him his justification for lying. Alex announces that the reason he manufactures lies is to make him feel like a more premium person. I believe that Alex wants to make himself feel like a more premium person because he is not satisfied with his current job and life. Alex is forced by his dad to be the translator and desires to move to America. Alex's final untruth is telling Little Igor that his grandfather died because of an accident with sleeping pills (Foer 242). Alex's ultimate truth is that he loves Little Igor. Alex says "Everything for Little Igor(Foer 103). .
Another big liar in the novel was Yankel, who was a sloucher. Yankel lied to both Brod and himself. Yankel was emotionally scarred because his wife left him for another man. Brod was extremely curious about the past. Yankel made up a story about how Brod's mother died a painless death during child birth. Yankel made up countless very detailed stories. Brod enjoyed hearing the stories and Yankel would tell them to her every night before bed.
