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.

Plot makes the character just as history makes the man.

I like writing, but I write for self-improvement more than I do for money.

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

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.

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.