From my fathers point of view, without a thought for self, a true patriot stands up against the stones of condemnation and speaks for those who are given no real voice in the halls of justice or the halls of government.

My father valued patriotism above all other social obligations, but he had his own particular interpretation of just how true patriotism was meant to function.

The biggest impact my father had on my life was teaching the importance of literacy.

Since I cant write the greatest American novel, Im going to write the longest American novel.

My father thought of himself as a tradesman. A craftsman.

I started writing serious books so late because I knew Id be accused of riding on my fathers coattails.

My father believed, like Pericles, that a mans genius could be easily judged by the number of unenlightened fools set in phalanx against his ideas.