You have a choice in this world, I believe, about how to tell sad stories, and we made the funny choice.

Can I ask you about Caroline Mathers?" "And you say there's no afterlife.

People talk about the courage of cancer patients, and I do not deny that courage. I had been poked and stabbed and poisoned for years, and still I trod on. But make no mistake: In that moment, I would have been very, very happy to die.

Dear Teens at Starbucks wearing 'Abstain from Sex 2 Attain Ur Goals' t-shirts: Doesn't it depend on what my goals are?

I think it's crazy, crazy that book tours lose so much money. They shouldn't. Book tours should be part of what keeps independent bookstores vibrant and profitable.

I ran like a cheetah - well, like a cheetah that smoked too much.

Right. I'd forgotten about her.' He shook his head. 'That keeps happening.