Deep Cuts

The novel jumps forward to the fall of 2002. Percy is now taking a graduate course in creative writing at Columbia University in New York. One day, she is attending a literary reading reception when she hears the song “Bag Lady” by Erykah Badu. She and her friend Nomi talk about the song’s aspirational qualities.

Joe tries to call Percy on her cellphone, but she declines the call. She explains to Nomi that Joe is her best friend, correcting herself twice to call him her “songwriting partner” and her “collaborator.” Nomi commends Percy, believing that writers are naturally inclined towards solitude. Percy realizes that her past collaborations with Joe and Zoe have only brought her more emotional baggage. She interprets “Bag Lady” as a reminder to let go of the emotional baggage that she left behind in Berkeley. Nomi reminds her that the song ends with the speaker looking for a man.

Percy confirms Nomi’s point when she looks up the lyrics online later that night. She realizes that the song is less about shedding baggage than it is about baggage making a person less lovable. This, Percy comments as she scornfully sets aside her thought process, is a normal way of thinking around this time.