"For it's said (and not without reason) that no sooner does a ship like the Scaffold single up all lines than certain Navy wives are out of their civvies and into barmaid uniforms, flexing their beer carrying arms and practicing a hooker's sweet smile; even as the N.O.B. band is playing "Auld Lang Syne" and the destroyers are blowing stacks in black flakes all over the cuckolds-to-be standing manly at attention, taking leave with rue and a tiny grin." Ch. 1, In which Benny Profane, a schlemihl and human yo-yo, gets to an apocheir, pg. 3.

"He reflected that here was another inanimate object that had nearly killed him. He was not sure whether he meant Rachel or the car." Ch. 1, In which Benny Profane, a schlemihl and human yo-yo, gets to an apocheir, pg. 17.

"Don't ask me if we're in love. The word doesn't mean anything." Ch...