You do not cut a check in the state of Kansas to John Doe, executioner. The executioner is paid in cash so there's no trail to him

The New York Times published the guest list on the front page. The masks were a brilliant concept.

As happens with people who love a thing too much, it destroys them. Oscar Wilde said, 'You destroy the thing that you love.' It's the other way around. What you love destroys you.

I remember being awed by it - the uniqueness and nicety of style - and I suspect I was a bit jealous because we were more or less of the same generation.

I have never been convinced there's anything inherently wrong in having fun.

Well, I have to write. A lot of people forget that. They think I’m sort of crazy baffoon who can’t make up his mind what to do in life

My favorite monologue in the book is Kate Harrington's story of her relationship with Truman.