Poor Congo, barefoot bride of men who took her jewels and promised the Kingdom.

I live in a rural part of Virginia surrounded by farms and farmers.

Arguments could fill a marriage like water, running through everything, always, with no taste or color but lots of noise.

I don't bring expectations to any of my books. I don't tell people what to do. I want to invite them in.

(on asparagus) Europeans of the Renaissance swore by it as an aphrodisiac, and the church banned it from nunneries.

Libraries are the one American institution you shouldn't rip off.

Even feigning surprise, pretending it was unexpected and saying a ritual thanks, is surely wiser than just expecting everything so carelessly.