Let's make this birthday one to remember.

71 years old (Born on January 13, 1955)

Happy Birthday, Jay McInerney! Another year of bright lights and big celebrations—hopefully without the existential hangover. Your sharp wit and timeless storytelling continue to captivate readers who still can't resist revisiting your iconic Manhattan adventures.

From capturing New York City's glittering chaos in "Bright Lights, Big City" to chronicling life's finer pleasures as a celebrated wine critic, you've shown us how literature pairs perfectly with humor (and perhaps a good Chardonnay). Here's wishing you another chapter filled with laughter, literary triumphs—and fewer mornings spent wondering where last night's taxi dropped you off. Cheers to many more brilliant stories ahead!