Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Food Critic

by Ruth Reichl

“Because,” said Michael, “powerful people are accustomed to being sucked up to. When you don’t, it makes you more desirable. The less you want them, the more they want you. Wait and see.”

Remember that no matter how well you do the job, the power is not yours. It all, every scrap of it, belongs to this institution. You’re just a byline.

‘What’s the point in taking people out only to make them wish they weren’t there?’”