In this deeply smart and sneakily poignant collection of essays, the bestselling author of Fraud and Don't Get Too Comfortable makes an inspired case for always assuming the worst-because then you'll never be disappointed. Whether he's...

A New York City journalist applies his urbane, self-deprecating wit to expeditions as varied as the search for elves in Iceland, a foray into soap- opera acting, and contemplating the gin-soaked olive at the bottom of a martini glass....