Poverty, therefore, was comparative. One measured it by a sliding scale. One was always poor, in terms of those who were richer.

Nothing fails like failure

How extraordinary people are, that they get themselves into such situations where they go on doing what they dislike doing, and have no need or obligation to do, simply because it seems to be expected.

I used to be a reasonably careless and adventurous person before I had children; now I am morbidly obsessed by seat-belts and constantly afraid that low-flying aircraft will drop on my children's school.

Sometimes it seems the only accomplishment my education ever bestowed on me was the ability to think in quotations.

I need words and print... I need print like an addict. I could live without it, perhaps. But I hope I never have to try.

On one thing professionals and amateurs agree: mothers can't win.