Nora Ephron, one of my literary heroes, died yesterday…but I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to. 

Known chiefly for her refreshingly smart and insightful movies such as “When Harry Met Sally” and “Julie & Julia,” Ms. Ephron is remarkable for achieving artistic triumphs as a screenwriter, director and journalist.

Ms. Ephron came about in the 60’s as a major New York journalist with a distinct voice and a wry sense of humor. This was a time when women were not given much to do, and Ms. Ephron’s legacy as a smart female writer cannot be overstated.

For me, Ms. Ephron’s glorious collection of essays (“I Feel Bad About My Neck” and “I Remember Nothing” respectively) sum up what was so magical about her writing. Frank, witty and even heart-wrenching at times, these books are wonderful, inspirational views on life and the human condition.

Goodbye Ms. Ephron. To me you will always be the quintessential New Yorker.