As a young writer, I was on guard against the Latina in me, the Spanish in me because as far as I could see the models that were presented to me did not include my world. In fact, 'I was told by one teacher in college that one could only write poetry in the language in which one first said Mother. That left me out of American literature, for sure.

It doesn't make any sense. If the SIM are policemen, secret or not, shouldn't we trust them instead of being afraid of them?

Reading and thoughtfulness and openness are the best way, I should think, to begin to address the richness that is in each of us.

When we read, even if the characters are tragic or sad or disturbing, these are our brothers and sisters in the human family.

A book does not discriminate against any reader. All are welcome at the table of literature.

Depression is always in the details.

Each of us will have to make the choices that allow us to be the largest versions of ourselves.