Summary

Chapter 4 begins just after Ariel's story on obese women is published. She meets an editor named John Homans whom she admires. She takes time, over several years, to find a story idea which interests him. Ariel pitches a story about the popularity of the stripper/porn star aesthetic. She notes the connection between push-up bras and female empowerment. The essay is published and eventually becomes Ariel's first book. Her career as a writer has reached new heights.

Ariel spends her 20s going out regularly and dating boys. September 11, 2011 hits and the atmosphere in New York City changes. In the same week, Ariel drops an air conditioner out a window, relies on a man to help her install a new one, and finds out her father has terminal cancer. Ariel realizes how quickly life can change but, just as suddenly, her father's prognosis is reversed...