Horse racing is really much more intimidating than anything having to do with literature. When I had horses at the racetrack, I would wake up in terror in a way that I would never wake up while working on a novel.

I think that the Cold War was an exceptional and unnecessary piece of cruelty.

Another thing I learned is that novels, even those from apparently distant times and places, remain current and enlightening, and also comforting.

I loved the house the way you would any new house, because it is populated by your future, the family of children who will fill it with noise or chaos and satisfying busy pleasures.

I was asked by an editor to consider writing something about an American inventor. I asked him if he knew who invented the computer. He said he didn't. In that case, I told him, I should write a book about John Vincent Atanasoff.

With preference came point of view; with point of view, personality; with personality, uniqueness; with uniqueness, grief.

Sinclair Lewis may be ripe for a revival; his books raise several interesting issues of art and fashion.