NM: We never had a lawn gnome, but since finishing the book I have to say that I've started seeing gnomes EVERYWHERE. I think they're making a comeback as a kitschy cultural signifier of something or other.

NM: I doubt it. It was the "Fight Club" movie, not the book, after all, that sparked the sparring contests. "Under My Roof" isn't headed for Hollywood any time soon, though at least one editor who ultimately rejected the book suggested that we make it more like a movie. "Instead of a nuclear bomb," she said, "why can't the kid have a girlfriend, like in 'Napoleon Dynamite'."

NM: Absolutely, especially given the scope of Herbie's power in the book, which includes the ability to read minds regardless of distance. Well, I suppose if I had to choose, I'd prefer teleportation, but telepathy is a close second. MZ: This book skewers much of what passes for normal these days: consumerism, military propaganda, reality TV, junk food, and so on. If you hate America so much, why don't you go live in Russia?

NM: What, Russia doesn't have consumerism, military propaganda, reality TV, or junk food? If one dislikes imperialism, the best place to live is in the US, after all, as on can work to apply political pressure better within the country's borders than without. Of course, the book, as it deals with the foundation of microstates that ultimately recapitulate the problems of the US, shows that the political question isn't just a matter of individual lifestyle, or of choosing one nation over another. We're in a world system, after all.

NM: The People's Republic of Me, and my life wouldn't change a bit, except I wouldn't have to pay a ridiculous percentage of my low freelance income in taxes.