I'm very comfortable writing.

We have different kinds of intimacy with many, many people. I'm disappointed by well-written novels that only deal with two or three people.

People seem able to love their dogs with an unabashed acceptance that they rarely demonstrate with family or friends. The dogs do not disappointment them, or, if they do, the owners manages to forget about it quickly. I want to learn to love people like this, the way I love my dog, with pride and enthusiasm and a complete amnesia for faults. In short, to love others the way my dog loves me.

That's important to me, to recommend books.

Even though I didn't know I was applying for the job, I have somehow become the spokesperson for independent book stores.

Thank God Roxane Coss had not fallen in love with one of the Russians. She doubted they could make it up the stairs without stopping for a cigarette and telling at least one loud story that no one could understand.

The thing you can count on in life is that Tennessee will always be scorching hot in August.