There's an idea of the Plains as the middle of nowhere, something to be contemptuous of. But it's really a heroic place.

When the days start to get shorter, I want to be in some nice brick building on the East Coast with the lights glowing in the windows. When the daylight starts changing, I want to be out West.

There's an idea of the Plains as the middle of nowhere, something to be contemptuous of. But it's really a heroic place.

Despite the obvious benefits, many Americans do not like Texas. Some even say they despise Texas, and make no secret of their feelings.

A book tour is not a good opportunity to let your mind wander. You have to pay attention, remember salespeople's and interviewers' names, succinctly summarize your book in a 'selling' way, and so on.

Siberia is so big, it’s almost more an idea than a place

I only saw one English-speaking person all the way across Siberia.