For someone who loves literature, and all books on principle, being asked to name three titles over a half century of serious reading is akin to asking one to recall their three favorite sunsets.

You didnt grow up in the shadow of John Steinbeck. He put you on his shoulders and gave you all the light you wanted.

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.

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

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

Plot makes the character just as history makes the man.

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