When I had no money, and a great book came out, I couldn't get it. I had to wait. I love the idea that I have hardcover books here and at home that I haven't read yet. That's how I view that I'm rich. I have hardcover books I may never read.

He made me realize that hard work--that the act of finishing, of completing, of accomplishing a task--is joyous

That's the whole point of life, you know? To meet new people.

Because I'm an American, I know there's all sorts of international folks who would gladly kidnap and behead me.

Environmentalism is a luxury. Just like being a vegetarian is a luxury. When you have to worry about eating - you're not going to be worried about where the food's coming from, or who made your shoes. Poverty, whether planned or not planned, is a way of making environmentalism moot.

A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.

Well, I think the worst part about tribalism is its tendency to fundamentalize, and if I can fight fundamentalism in any of its forms I'm happy.