But it had no doubt sprung from true emotion, for all that parents ever wanted, really, was for you to love their child the way they did.

For me, a novel relying too heavily on a single idea might be a dry, deadly thing unless it possesses an animating force.

The child who was happy with herself meant the parents had won the jackpot.

You had only one chance for a signature in life, but most people left no impression.

But it had no doubt sprung from true emotion, for all that parents ever wanted, really, was for you to love their child the way they did.

The generation that had information, but no context. Butter, but no bread. Craving, but no longing.

People like to warn you that by the time you reach the middle of your life, passion will begin to feel like a meal eaten long ago, which you remember with great tenderness.