Today would have been Robert 's 22nd birthday . As days go , it should be good because I have an interview with a company that seems really awesome and Alison is staying an extra day in Jersey before she heads to Arizona . But otherwise , I want to celebrate his life by drinking his favorite liquor and remembering everything I can . I went to Potbelly 's and remembered the last time I was there ... we had lunch on Valentine 's Day because we were both alone . I found a book of his in my basement and remembered when he lent it to me and my promises to return it , of course to no avail because I have a shitty memory .

A: What am I making an effort to remember today ?

It was n't a place I recognized , but it looked breathtaking -- more so , perhaps , than any other pictures I ' ve seen of Norway . It was n't just the steep and wobbly landscape that was so stunning . It was also the two super - tall , super - skinny fishing houses that sat out alongside a weather - beaten pier .

A: What can you assume the author is nearby ?

He manages to introduce a completely different terrible flaw into every book . And it does n't matter . It 's something about the voice , the way he sees and renders people that strikes utterly true . And something about the preoccupation with protagonists who are really , no kidding , genuine selfish fuckups . And have that brought to their attention as a way in which to grow . ( Although I will say so far that my bar none favourite Stewart character is Shielder 's Mark from Nobody 's Son .

A: What is a characteristic of the characters the author writes about ?

The actual race will be a little longer , but I 'll have lots of chances to make sure I stay hydrated with cold water , for sure . MB : Any truth to the rumor that you might temporarily give up beer in pursuit of gold ? GK : Not this week .

A:
Why might they give up beer ?