And I spilled gravy on my Carolina sweater, because I am alive.

The thing that has always baffled me about people's perception of my writing is the sense that I'm a very controversial, opinionated, polarizing person. I feel like I write about things that I'm interested in, and I describe why they're interesting to me. I could be negative, I guess. It's far easier to write why something is terrible than why it's good.

I honestly believe that people of my generation despise authenticity, mostly because they're all so envious of it.

My mind and gut are never simpatico: Every time I think somebody likes me, she doesn't; every time I think somebody doesn't like me, she does. This has never changed and I'm certain it never will.

We are often wrong about the past, but at least with the past you can change your thinking. We can't do that with the future.

Outcasts may grow up to be novelists and filmmakers and computer tycoons, but they will never be the athletic ruling class.

I once loved a girl who almost loved me, but not as much as she loved John Cusack.