I've always thought tests are a gift. And great tests are a great gift. To fail the test is a misfortune. But to refuse the test is to refuse the gift, and something worse, more irrevocable, than misfortune.

One foot in front of the other, wasn't that the grownup way of solving problems? Surely he ought to be a grownup at his age.

For me, writing is more a process of discovering the book than planning it.

There is no more hollow feeling than to stand with your honor shattered at your feet while soaring public reputation wraps you in rewards. That's soul-destroying. The other way around is merely very, very irritating.

There is a sad disconnectedness that overcomes a library when its owner is gone.

I don't confuse greatness with perfection. To be great anyhow is the higher achievement.

Honesty is the only way with anyone, when you'll be so close as to be living inside each other's skins.