In a World with Everything, What Do You Really Want?

Reflections on one of the great modern novels, "Bright Lights, Big City"

I moved to New York because I was sick with ambition, parched by desire. Dressed in a tuxedo with my hair slicked back, I imagined myself walking down an aisle, up a few stairs, and onto the stage. I’d shake the hand of a pedophile, he’d give me a big wink, and I’d make a speech to which a crowd of fools would cheer. Then the old man would pat me on the…