Have interesting failures.... If you need to have a personal crisis have it now. Don't wait until midlife, when it will take longer to resolve.... Don't pity yourselves. Lighten up. Seek people with a sense of humor. Avoid humorless people-and do not marry one, for God's sake.

Nothing you do for children is ever wasted.

Bad things don't happen to writers; it's all material.

In Lake Wobegon, we don't forget mistakes.

Your life is a work of art, and in the end, the underlying theme of great art is bravery and hope and love.

IMPORTANT Book reading is a solitary and sedentary pursuit, and those who do are cautioned that a book should be used as an integral part of a well-rounded life, including a daily regimen of rigorous physical exercise, rewarding personal relationships, and sensible low-fat diet. A book should not be used a as a substitute or an excuse.

The funniest line in English is 'Get it?' When you say that, everyone chortles.