Most everybody had made at least one bad, drunken decision in their lives. Called an ex at two in the morning. Or perhaps has a little too much to drink on a second date and wept inconsolably while revealing how simply damaged one was, while nonetheless retaining an uncommonly large capacity for love. That kind of thing was, while regrettable, at least comprehensible. But waking up with someone generationally inappropriate, like your grandfather's best buddy?

I was in advertising for years. That was cushy, you know? It's pretty cushy in a lot of ways, but I hated it.

A lot of being a writer doesn't have anything to do with writing. It's ironic - I have to squeeze the books in, even though that's what it's all about.

You manufacture beauty with your mind

There's never a false note in a Berg novel.

and she's a nurse. do you know how hard nursing school is? it's like medical school. so she's obviously smart.

After was better. Before was only there so After could happen.