Rick Bass is one of the best writers of his generation.

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.

I never understood people who don't have bookshelves.

Give me good books, good conversations, and my Trek Y-Foil, and I shall want for nothing else.

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

It is also one of the pleasures of oral biography, in that the reader, rather than editor, is jury.