“When I first enjoyed this superb view, one glowing April day," Jess read aloud, "from the summit of the Pacheco Pass, the… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She had no idea how George delighted in her funny ways, or watched her through the window as she stood outside, finishing… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“He draws asparagus and cabbages, but he's obsessed with artichokes. He draws them more than any other vegetable. Why artichokes?" George drained… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Sentimentally, he thought of Jess. Irrationally, he despaired of having her. But this was not a question of pursuit. Raj would laugh… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She turned the next several pages and found a black-ink drawing on a slip of typing paper, a nude woman holding a… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“His fantasies were nurturing, not predatory. If he could have Jess, he would feed her. Laughable, antique, confusingly paternal, he longed to… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“A peach, slightly unbalanced, so that it listed to one side, its hue the color of an early sunrise. Had George remembered… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Once he left the Haywood out for her with a page number on a scrap of paper, and she opened the book… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“I used to write poetry when I was younger," Jess said. She had kept a notebook by her bed, in case some… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Giddy with each other and the wine, they strolled outside through the Presidio, the old fort now housing restaurants and galleries. Jess… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“At first she felt overwhelmed by the house, its airy symmetry its silence. Now she was accustomed to the place, but she… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“You think there's something materialistic about collecting books, but really collectors are the last romantics. We're the only ones who still love… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“On the third day, she smelled the fruit as soon as she came in. She followed the scent to the kitchen, and the peach… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She herself vacillated when it came to belief. She did not particularly believe in God. Or, rather, she didn't believe in a particular God.… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
Know your literary tradition, savor it, steal from it, but when you sit down to write, forget about worshiping greatness and fetishizing masterpieces. — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Sandra turned to the page with the title "Toklas' Hashich Fudge." The original hashish brownies. 'Peppercorns, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, stone dates, dried figs, shelled… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Giddy with each other and the wine, they strolled outside through the Presidio, the old fort now housing restaurants and galleries. Jess explained that… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“How sad, he thought, that desire found new objects but did not abate, that when it came to longing there was no end.” — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“There were three wedding cakes, curious and historical but tasty, each labeled with a calligraphed card: "Plumb Cake" with currants, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, salt,… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“When I first enjoyed this superb view, one glowing April day," Jess read aloud, "from the summit of the Pacheco Pass, the Central Valley,… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“The wines were great, and better by the minute, even as the drinkers softened. Just as wines opened at the table, so the friends'… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Who are you? She asked silently, as she laid away the collector's quotations, his drawings, his scraps of famous poetry: "Come live with me… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She was surprised because she was Emily, and she did not share Jonathan's frank assessment of coworkers as losers, whiners, bozos, sharks. No, she… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
I do not think novels are necessarily more worthwhile than games. A novel can be a trivial waste of time, and a game can… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
