I became the kind of parent my mother was to me.

There is a very fine line between loving life and being greedy for it.

I also wear a hat or a very tightly pulled head tie when I write. I suppose I hope by doing that I will keep my brains from seeping out of my scalp and running in great gray blobs down my neck, into my ears, and over my face.

My work is to be honest. My work is to try to think clearly, then have the courage to make sure that what I say is the truth.

I have great respect for the past.

The children to whom we read simple stories may or may not show gratitude, but each boon we give strengthens the pillars of the world.

Everyone has at least one story, and each of us is funny if we admit it. You have to admit you're the funniest person you've ever heard of.