Having endured the rigors of med school and growing up Jewish in Oklahoma, she has written a collection of stories, American Innovations, and a splendid novel, Atmospheric Disturbances. She is conversant with both literature and science, the intellectual equivalent of jeans and formal wear, although I’m unsure which is akin to which. Plus music by Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary, the Murphy Beds. We gathered at Columbia-Barnard Hillel.

•  PERSON: César Aira
•  PLACE: Sooner Swim Club
•  THING: 50 Great Short Stories
•  RANDY’S PERSON: Dr. Dolittle