I grew up in New York City, where I currently live, though for two separate five-year periods I lived in Bloomington, Indiana, and Atlanta, Georgia. I attended Hunter College and then Indiana University, where I earned a PhD in American literature. I teach every fall in the writing program at the University of Pennsylvania and, beginning in the spring of 2007, I will also be teaching in the graduate Journalism program at the City University of New York. I won a Grammy in the "Best Album Notes" category for my essay accompanying the Eric Clapton bos set, Crossroads. I live with my wife, Alexandra MacDowell; my daughter Francesca Rose, and our wonderful Saint Bernard Gracie.