As a young man, I saw families prosper without reading because there were always sufficient opportunities for willing workers who could follow simple instructions. This is no longer the case. Children who don't read are, in the main, destined for lesser lives. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to change this.

I couldn't speak well. I went to speech therapy for 10 years. And I was sort of frustrated in that sense.

Looks to me like you've been making garbage for a while and dragging it with you. Now you need to get out of here, and that garbage is weighing you down.

I am very much interested in getting parents to read to children, and trying to get people mentoring children. If I can do both I'll be happy.

We all know we should eat right and we should exercise, but reading is treated as if it's this wonderful adjunct.

We need to tell kids flat out: reading is not optional.

Yes, she is the fruit that will Sustain me and yes, she brings A rain that I know can chill But it is a rain so sweet and sings A song my soul insists That I follow, if I would exist As more than I have ever, ever been If my mother calls it evil, then I embrace the sin