The hyphen in Molly Jong-Fast’s last name bridges two distinct lineages of wordsmiths. Her father, Jonathan Fast—an author in his own right—is the son of Spartacus writer Howard Fast (often known by his pen name, E. V. Cunningham), who inspired the 1960 eponymous film, starring Kirk Douglas. But ladies come first in the Jong-Fast household, both in name and in ideals. Molly’s mother, Erica Jong, wrote the groundbreaking 1973 novel Fear of Flying, which helped to propel second-wave feminism. Molly dives deep into her complex relationship—or lack thereof—with Erica in her sharp and beautifully written (no surprise there) new memoir, How to Lose Your Mother. To celebrate its release, she shares her least favorite things. —Carolina de Armas
Least favorite number: 13.
Least favorite color: Yellow.
Least favorite team: In sports? What’s that?
Least favorite James Bond: George Lazenby.
Preferred deadly sin: Frosting.
Food that makes you gag: Oat milk.
Book you never finished: The Power Broker, by Robert Caro. (Sorry.)
Film you walked out of: I’ve not walked out of films, but I have fallen asleep during them. (Sorry.)
Song you never want to hear again: Anything by Lee Greenwood.
Character from history you most dislike: Doesn’t everyone say Hitler?
Item of clothing you would never wear: Monocle.
Worst form of transport: The bus.
Preferred form of revenge: Not remembering who anyone is.
Favorite curse word: “Fuck.”
Least favorite habit (in you): Internet addiction.
Least favorite habit (in others): Internet addiction.
Least favorite apology: “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Least favorite conversational topic: Trump.
Least favorite present you’ve received: I thought you said “president.”
Worst New York City moment: Any trapped-in-the-subway thing.
Person you’d least like to share a lifeboat with: Meh, I could tolerate anyone.
Words you’d hate to have spoken behind your back: “She’s boring.” But it’s true!
Thing you said but wish you hadn’t: Everything.
Thing you didn’t say but wish you had: Everything.
Worst advice you’ve ever gotTEN: My mom always gave me terrible advice.
Worst advice you’ve ever given: Anything that’s not from Alcoholics Anonymous. When I give advice that’s just something I cooked up, it’s always, always, always bad.
Last words before execution: “Meh, I tried.”
Molly’s Inessentials
