For what is delusion but the prelude to hurt. And what is hurt but the prelude to rage.

Like a flame is real enough, isn't it, while it's burning?-even if there's a time it goes out?

I read books. Avidly, ardently! As if my life depended upon it.

From Mother you will inherit the belief that you can journey to your fate, there's a place to be located on a map that's destiny. If only you can get there. If it isn't too late. If no one stops you.

Princeton is quite integrated. Women are professors at Princeton. Women are students at Princeton. That began in the 1970s.

Much of my writing is energized by unresolved memories - something like ghosts in the psychological sense.

My parents inspired me by their example. They both grew up in the Depression, and both of them had to quit school when they were quite young to work, because there actually was no choice. So they've always impressed me with their resilience, their good spirits, their courage. I just remember them carrying on and just doing their lives. They really made a strong impression on me.