I think my mother... made it clear that you have to live life by your own terms and you have to not worry about what other people think and you have to have the courage to do the unexpected.

As much as we need a prosperous economy, we also need a prosperity of kindness and decency.

I am, you know, a Democrat through and through. I've always voted Democratic. You know, that is where my heart lies.

I grew up in a household where reading was encouraged. My mother believed in the power of words, and my father obviously did too.

The most beautiful people are all in the library.

I'm not as shy as everybody makes me out to be.

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.