I now know that to do a worthwhile family history I must interpret the past without falling into either demonizing or unquestioning acceptance. . . . As a playwright, what I object to right now is any form of fundamentalism, whether it's nationalistic, religious or ethnic. . . . I think it is ridiculous - and fundamentalist, by the way - to say that I am not changed by the culture around me.

I'm happy. Which often looks like crazy.

Well, there's no guarantee of failure in life like happiness in high school.

I knew I was Chinese, but growing up, it never occurred to me that that had any particular implication or that it should differentiate me in any way. I thought it was a minor detail, like having red hair.

Now I see -- we are always most revolted by the things hidden within us.

Sometimes I hate you, sometimes I hate myself, but always I miss you

To me to write well is to battle stereotypes. To write well is to create three-dimensional characters that seem human.