Birthday Party
As far as the Jonathan Franzen aspect, it was interesting because we went into this nice orderly apartment, where a friendly but sober-faced man greeted us and offered us a drink, introduced himself, played well the part of the good host—and as he did this I was retracing his work’s impact on many memorable moments in my own life. I remember being drawn to the essay collection, How to be Alone, wanting vindication rather than a how-to—I already know how to be alone—and getting that. Discussing the collection with a now ex-boyfriend while walking over Weeks Bridge the first night we met. Reading The Corrections, sharing that and perhaps the essays with my best friend, my father, my brother. The moment in the novel when the father falls overboard, a line from that section standing out weirdly italicized in my mind as I accepted a glass of white wine, wanting to thank the author for this experience that I was able to share with so many people I care about.
