Happy or unhappy, families are all mysterious. We have only to imagine how differently we would be described - and will be, after our deaths - by each of the family members who believe they know us.

Whoever has power takes over the noun - and the norm - while the less powerful get an adjective.

It is true for me, as for so many countless others, that librarians saved my life, my internal life.

The problem is that America is still so racist - I guess it's hard to find another word for it ­ - that they still, the press in general and many people, perceive only white women as feminists. They think black women are black.

Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one.

For women... bras, panties, bathing suits, and other stereotypical gear are visual reminders of a commercial, idealized feminine image that our real and diverse female bodies can't possibly fit. Without these visual references, each individual woman's body demands to be accepted on its own terms. We stop being comparatives. We begin to be unique.

There is no such thing as Superwoman. You cant have everything if you do everything.