lt is taking every ounce of self control I have not to ignore everything in my life until I have finished reading Mary Gaitskill’s Don’t Cry. In fact, it took quite a bit to put the book down after devouring the first story of the collection, a story so filled with exquisite pain and beauty that my heart is still a little fluttery just thinking about it.

Self-control is not my strong suit. When I want something, I want it now and a lot of it. I rarely settle for one, whether it be a cookie, an orgasm, or a beer. But I read somewhere that delayed gratification is a sign of maturity. I’m trying to be mature here.

This is not an easy task. I love Gaitskill’s writing with the kind of gusto I usually reserve for Dawson’s Creek, Paul Westerberg, and bagels with peanut butter and apples. Denying yourself something you love has to be good for something, right? I better learn something from this experience.

I’m hoping that my longing will make the reading of this book even better. By taking my time I’m hoping I will be able to soak up every drop of wonder in Gaitskill’s sentences until it oozes from my pores and shines from my eyes.