Nowadays, I know the true reason I read is to feel less alone, to make a connection with a consciousness other than my own.

Your mid-thirties is a good time because you know a fair amount, you have some self-control.

Art is the Western myth, with which we both console ourselves and make ourselves.

The really heroic thing about Nick Hornby is that he lives in north London and rarely leaves it... Every English writer needs their corner that is forever England - but only a few brave men choose to make that corner Highbury.

For ridding oneself of faith is like boiling seawater to retrieve the salt--something is gained but something is lost.

World makers, social network makers, ask one question first: 'How can I do it?'

Surely there is something to be said for drawing a circle around our attention and remaining within that circle. But how large should this circle be?