Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.

When a novel has 200,000 words, then it is possible for the reader to experience 200,000 delights, and to turn back to the first page of the book and experience them all over again, perhaps more intensely.

Novelists never have to footnote.

I say, when your hair turns gray and your children think they know who you are, do the thing that shakes up who you think you are, even who you had prided yourself on being. When all those around you say they simply don't recognize you any longer, that's the real compliment.

How will you know a good farmer when you meet him? He will not ask you for any favors.

People with good intentions never give up!

I don't know - is everything the U.S. does a shocking embarrassment?