I've never gotten over high school, to the extent that I'm still a little surprised that my friends want to hang out with me.

Respecting the dignity of a spectacular food means enjoying it at its best. Europeans celebrate the short season of abundant asparagus as a form of holiday. In the Netherlands the first cutting coincides with Father's Day, on which restaurants may feature all-asparagus menus and hand out neckties decorated with asparagus spears.

Our childhood had passed over into history overnight. The transition was unnoticed by anyone but ourselves.

A certain feeling comes from throwing your good life away, and it is one part rapture.

restraint equals indulgence

I used to think religion was just more of the same thing. Dump responsibility on the big guy. Now I see an importance in that. It's a relief to accept that not everything is under your control.

It takes some courage to write fiction about politically controversial topics. The dread is you'll be labeled a political writer.