I had spent years thinking about one thing while I was doing another. I had, in fact, prided myself on being able to do two things at once.

'Ape House' is an ambitious novel in several ways, for which it is to be admired, and it is certainly an easy read, but because Gruen is not quite prepared for the philosophical implications of her subject, it is not as deeply involving emotionally or as interesting thematically as it could be.

The fundamental condition of childhood is powerlessness.

In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reasons or principle contain it or stand against it.

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

In his 30 years of broadcasting and publishing fiction, Garrison Keillor has set the laugh bar pretty high.

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