We never shape the world . . . the world shapes us.

Books ARE a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are reflection. Books change your mind.

In Ohio seasons are theatrical. Each one enters like a prima donna, convinced its performance is the reason the world has people in it.

Sifting daylight dissolves the memory, turns it into dust motes floating in light.

I sang "O Holy Night" in a school choir. My mother came and listened to me and complimented me. So that was the high point. I cannot sing a note.

The pieces I am, she gather them and gave them back to me in all the right order.

Beginning 'Beloved' with numerals rather than spelled out numbers, it was my intention to give the house an identity separate from the street or even the city.