I don't absolve my father completely of his responsibility for what he did to us I feel compassion, maybe. He had his demons. But I still can't understand how a man can walk away from children. And leave them to starve, as we nearly did, if it wasn't for my mother going out and begging.

I don't know what it means and I don't care because it's Shakespeare and it's like having jewels in my mouth when I say the words.

I am not living the American Dream; I am living the American fantasy.

I say, Billy, what’s the use in playing croquet when you’re doomed? He says, Frankie, what’s the use of not playing croquet when you’re doomed?

The main thing I am interested in is my experience as a teacher.

I asked my dad what afflicted meant and he said 'Sickness son, and things that don't fit.'

I just have to proceed as usual. No matter what happens, nothing helps with the writing of the next book.