Some people you shouldn't kid, even if they deserve it.

The rest, with very little exaggeration, was books. Meant-to-be-picked-up books. Permanently-left-behind books. Uncertain-what-to-do-with books. But books, books. Tall cases lined three walls of the room, filled to and beyond capacity. The overflow had been piled in stacks on the floor. There was little space left for walking, and none whatever for pacing.

I don't even like old cars. I'd rather have a goddam horse. A horse is at least human, for God's sake.

I hate actors. They never act like people. They just think they do

There's a marvelous peace in not publishing, there's a stillness. When you publish, the world thinks you owe something. If you don't publish, they don't know what you're doing. You can keep it for yourself.

Your heart, Bessie, is an autumn garage.

There are nice things in the world - and I mean nice things. We're all such morons to get so sidetracked.