“I Trust Almost Anyone More Than Myself” | Better in Person

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan examines the intersection of imagination, narrative structure, and human consciousness. Her writing process relies on working against previous aesthetic choices to avoid repetition, as seen in the shift from the fragmented, tech-heavy narrative of *A Visit from the Goon Squad* to the more traditional, research-intensive approach of *Manhattan Beach*. Egan emphasizes the necessity of a writer’s group for critical feedback, noting that she prioritizes emotional resonance over technical solutions. Beyond her craft, she reflects on the influence of her family history—specifically her brother’s struggle with schizophrenia—and the evolving cultural awareness of mental health. Ultimately, her work aims to confront the inherent mysteries of human existence, using empathy to bridge the gap between her own experiences and the diverse, often complex consciousnesses of her characters.