Let's make this birthday one to remember.

71 years old (Born on November 11, 1954)

Happy Birthday, Mary Gaitskill! Celebrating the brilliant mind behind "Veronica," a novel so powerful it almost snagged that National Book Award—you know it's legendary when only losing makes headlines. And let's not forget your exceptional short stories—after all, who else has inspired Maggie Gyllenhaal to bring secretary roles back into style?

Whether crafting unforgettable characters or compelling narratives of human complexity and hidden humor, you’ve set an outstanding literary standard. May this birthday provide as much amusement and intrigue as one of your eccentric storylines—but hopefully with fewer awkward office moments!

Here's hoping for endless inspiration ahead–cheers!