Ingenious...Phillips presents his characters with a wry generosity and haunting poignancy to rival his wonderfully subversive wit. The New York Times Wry and skillful...a rare balance of wisdom and imagination. The New York Times Book Review Stop yearning for that elegant, entertaining novel that used to be. Thanks to Phillips, its right here, right now. Newsweek Rhapsodic. The Washington Post Book World Heartbreaking...a masterpiece of caustic satire. Los Angeles Times Really an old-fashioned novel of ideas...very funny...likely to leave you aching, too. The New Yorker Few first novels blaze with such all-knowing poise....Phillips is a wisecracking microbiologist of society and spirit.