People don't always realize that my parents shared a sense of intellectual curiosity and a love of reading and of history.

I feel like my grandparents and parents gave me a tremendous amount. And if I can pass some of that on, then I'll be very happy.

Most of the books that I've written have been focused on, sort of, the individual, and sort of, either a voice, a personal voice, or a kind of transforming event where they step forward to fight for something they value.

To the extent that we are all educated and informed, we will be more equipped to deal with the gut issues that tend to divide us.

People don't always realize that my parents shared a sense of intellectual curiosity and a love of reading and of history.

I have come to believe, more strongly than ever, that after people die they really do live on through those who love them.

In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.