I believe that mothers should tell the truth, even - no, especially - when the truth is difficult. It's always easier, and in the short term can even feel right, to pretend everything is okay, and to encourage your children to do the same. But concealment leads to shame, and of all hurts shame is the most painful.

I am a very nonspiritual person.

My new novel 'Red Hook Road' began many years ago as a short article in the newspaper.

You can take the babushka off the Jewish mother and dress her up in a pair of Seven jeans and Marc Jacobs sling-backs, but she's still going to expect a passel of grandkids.

Nothing makes me roll my eyes faster than a "Coexist" bumper sticker.

Whatever my intentions, whatever the truth of my claim, I had no business giving a lecture to a total stranger.

I always tell my kids that as soon as you have a secret, something about you that you are ashamed to have others find out, you have given other people the power to hurt you by exposing you.