I was so fortunate. My parents lived lives of service. They helped other people, that was their second nature; it came to them so naturally. It wasn't forced. This is their character, and it's a big advantage I have, being raised by people like this, having a secure and stable life, and a lot of love and encouragement.

I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.

When I taught school, we just had the school cafeteria; we didn't have machines or things for children to buy food from. But parents can try to educate their children about choices. A lot of everything we're talking about that has to do with heart disease has to do with the choices that we make.

There's nothing political about American literature.

The power of a book lies in its power to turn a solitary act into a shared vision. As long as we have books, we are not alone.

Women have a better chance to secure freedom and protect themselves from violence, from abuse, from injustice, if they are well-educated and know their rights.

Reading will give you lasting pleasure.