“People ask every day, "Why was I put on earth?" As if there is perhaps one reason. The truth is that there are too many reasons to count, and each reason and each soul connects to every other,” — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“I prefer feeling insignificant," said Jess. "I don't believe that." "I didn't say worthless, I said insignificant, as in the grand scheme of things." "But why?" "Because humans have such a complex. We're so self-involved. You have to get out… — 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
