Maturity, as I conceived it, was recognizing what was bad or peculiar in life, admitting it has to stay that way, and going ahead with the best of things.

Until you can become accountable to yourself and only yourself, you're probably not going to live a fully vital life. So much of literature is about accountability. The moral issues in most novels are about people becoming responsible for their own behaviour. One of the forces against being responsible for your own behaviour is the force of the past, in the way that the past tries to form you.

America beats on you so hard the whole time. You are constantly being pummeled by other people's rights and their sense of patriotism.

I grew up in Mississippi being told it was a great place, but not feeling that. When I finally began reading seriously, literature showed me something about where I was from which was worthwhile.

What was our life like? I almost don't remember now. Though I remember it, the space of time it occupied. And I remember it fondly.

When people realize they are being listened to, they tell you things.

You're only good if you can do bad and decide not to.