86 years old (Born on May 25, 1938)
Happy Birthday, Raymond Carver! May your day be filled with quiet celebrations—though perhaps not too quiet. After all, we wouldn't want to ask again: "Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?" Your minimalist brilliance and gritty realism have taught us that sometimes less truly is more (except when it comes to birthday cake).From the haunting beauty of "Cathedral" to the poignant truths in "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love," you've captured life's small yet profound moments perfectly. Here's hoping today brings you a few good things—not necessarily small ones—and plenty of reasons for laughter and joy.