I'm much more willing to buy a novel electronically by someone I don't know. Because if halfway through I think, I don't really like this, I can just stop. I can't throw books out, even if I think they're crummy. I feel like I've got to give it to the library. I've got to loan it to somebody, or I keep it on my shelf. It's like a plant.
Susan OrleanDog parks are more cliquish than any other human gathering with the possible exception of seventh grade. Deal with it.
Susan OrleanWhy, I wonder, should the popularity of a news story matter to me? Does it mean it's a good story or just a seductive one?
Susan OrleanWe're fascinated by animals because it's almost like having Martians living among us. We can see some familiarity in them, but they're entirely different creatures.
Susan Orlean