Every minute we were together, I felt like I was wandering in the dark through a strange house, groping for a light switch. And then, whenever I found one and turned it on, the bulb was dead.

It just took some people a little longer than others to realize how few words they needed to get by, how much of life they could negotiate in silence.

I write about kids growing up, I write a lot about schools and parents, and all of my experiences with those things have been suburban experiences.

My novels are certainly more exciting than my own life.

Once you'd broken through that invisible barrier that separates one person from another, you were connected forever, whether you liked it or not.

It felt good, the whole family together on a sunny morning in a wholesome environment. If it hadn't been for the warshiping God part, he would have happily attended church on a regular basis.

I have actual dreams of Bruce Springsteen calling me up on stage to wear a bandanna and play rhythm guitar next to Little Steven.