Whatever I write, no matter how gray or dark the subject matter, it's still going to be a comic novel.

You don't have to be in the habit of going to church to listen to such a literary minister; you don't have to be a believer to be moved by Mr. Buechner's faith.

Because who can describe that look that triggers the memory of loved ones? Who can anticipate the frown, the smile, or the misplaced lock of hair that sends a swift, undeniable signal from the past? Who can ever estimate the power of association, which is always strongest in moments of love and in memories of death?

There are few things as seemingly untouched by the real world as a child asleep.

I never know when I finish the novel I am writing which will be the next novel out of the station.

The excitement of anticipation was *almost* equal to the thrill of lovemaking.

but writers, Garp knew, were just observers - good and ruthless imitators of human behavior.