cube conversation

[dchenes]

J (over the cube wall): Huh. Dr. [redacted]'s middle name is John Irving.
Me: What?
J: What?
Me: All I heard was "John Irving". I thought he was dead too.
C (behind me): What about John Irving?
Me: He's not dead.
C: Oh! Good, he's one of my favorite authors.
J: Mine too!

(discussion of the works of John Irving ensues. Apparently I ought to read A Prayer for Owen Meany.)