Our story opens in the mind of Luther L. (L for LeRoy) Fliegler, who is lying in his bed, not thinking of anything, but just aware of sounds, conscious of his own breathing, and sensitive to his own heartbeats. Lying beside him is his wife, lying on her right side and enjoying her sleep.

In every marriage the wife has to keep her mouth shut about at least one small thing her husband does that disgusts her.

Book reviewers are little old ladies of both sexes.

Socially, I never belonged to any class, rich or poor. To the rich I was poor, and to the poor I was poor pretending to be like the rich.

They say great themes make great novels. but what these young writers don't understand is that there is no greater theme than men and women.

An artist is his own fault.

Becoming the reader is the essence of becoming a writer.