Vintage books, old china, antiques; maybe I love old things so much because I feel impermanent myself.

The problem with a life spent reading is you know too much.

A pause followed my greeting. Then “We’re watching you ” whispered the voice on the other end.
“Yeah? Did you see what I did with my keys? ”
Silence. Then dial tone.
These younger demons. So easily discouraged.

Why can't you say it?" I hardened my voice. "Because I'm telling you, you never have. I'd have remembered."
He stared at me with disbelief. [...]
"Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you.

The only thing worse than opera is someone who hums along with opera.

If there was one life skill everyone on the planet needed, it was the ability to think with critical objectivity