“Without monstrous distortions, I was slowly learning, without lies and hypocrisy, one cannot have the idealized American life I so longed for. Perfection was marred only by those corruptions necessary to its enterprise.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“Using a wide variety of media, we could demonstrate for our fellow Americans their anxieties, desires, insufficiencies, and frustrations--and how to assuage them all.… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
If someone were plucked from the group and given those responsibilities, they might find themselves growing more aloof, just by virtue of that promotion.… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“I was already at one remove before the Internet came along. I need another remove? Now I have to spend the time that I'm… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“One thing we knew for certain- despite all our certainties, it was very difficult to guess what one individual was thinking at any given… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“There was so much unpleasantness in the workaday world. The last thing you ever wanted to do at night was go home and do… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
We loved killing time and had perfected several ways of doing so. We wandered the hallways carrying papers that indicated some mission of business… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“For a long time thereafter I stared almost steadily at the bright and ostentatious VERIZON sign on top of one of the tallest buildings—the… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“Of course I alienate myself from society. It's the only way I know of not being constantly reminded of all the ways I'm alienated… — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“That was the last time she was allowed back at the Bennigan's. From then on, she started drinking at the T.G.I. Friday's.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
I've always thought things were absurd. It would take a lot more effort for me to see things as reasonable. — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
“...she had the conviction of the newly converted, which wouldn't last forever, but would for the moment brook no discouragement or allow for second-guessing.” — Joshua Ferris Copy Share Image
