Both my mother and I have close groups of friends that include other writers, and these friendships are very important to us.

Being a teacher at a restaurant in the town where you lived was a little like being a TV star.

While it's true that some writers, when taking on love and war, find the task too big, or only succeed in one but not the other, Mengestu tracks both themes with authority and feeling.

Good writing is good writing, and I'm so happy when I read it.

You had only one chance for a signature in life, but most people left no impression.

The child who was happy with herself meant the parents had won the jackpot.

For me, a novel relying too heavily on a single idea might be a dry, deadly thing unless it possesses an animating force.

People like to warn you that by the time you reach the middle of your life, passion will begin to feel like a meal eaten long ago, which you remember with great tenderness.

After a certain age, you felt a need not to be alone. It grew stronger, like a radio frequency, until finally it was so powerful that you were forced to do something about it.

Wasn't the whole point of being an artist, or at least part of it, that you didn't have to wear a tie?

The generation that had information, but no context. Butter, but no bread. Craving, but no longing.

Things can be added, but that doesn't mean that anything is missing.

When in place of love you have grieves. And in place of glory nonfulfillment of hopes you earn, know that it's a natural catastrophe preparing you for distinguished conditions." - Darmie Orem

Why play small? Let your greatness be evident to all.

If you work hard and play by the rules, you'll have a better life than your parents did, and your children will have a better life than you did.

Ooh baby, baby, it's a wild world, it's hard just to get by upon a smile.

This cream will help one's nature strengthen and grow, The diet gives support in my decline.

We share something in common with the fabric of the whole universe that connects us.

I do not gather things, I prefer to rent them rather than to possess them.

Envy grieves. Jealousy rages.

For me the working of hair is architecture with a human element.