I am compulsive about writing, I need to do it the way I need sleep and exercise and food and sex; I can go without it for a while, but then I need it.

The first of my father's illusions was that bears could survive the life led by human beings; the second was that human beings could survive a life in hotels.

Never confuse faith, or belief — of any kind — with something even remotely intellectual.

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

Owen Meany believed that “coincidence” was a stupid, shallow refuge sought by stupid, shallow people who were unable to accept the fact that their lives were shaped by a terrifying and awesome design – more powerful and unstoppable than the Yankee Flyer. (a train)

I've always been slow but I'm even slower now. I'm more into the waiting, or I guess I'm more patient about the waiting.

They were involved in that awkward procedure of getting to unknow each other.