I come from a family of great readers and storytellers.

Well, it arose out of two long-term concerns - the first being the possibility of genetic manipulation, nature versus nurture, what constitutes how people get to be how they are.

Let's just say, the American school of suburban angst is not my cup of tea.

Prior to penicillin and medical research, death was an everyday occurrence. It was intimate.

They thought to use and shame me but I win out by nature, because a true freak cannot be made. A true freak must be born.

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some words got me into trouble and others got me out.

The truth is always an insult or a joke, lies are generally tastier. We love them. The nature of lies is to please. Truth has no concern for anyone's comfort

Women who pay their own rent don't have to be nice.

Every doorway, every intersection has a story.

I get glimpses of the horror of normalcy. Each of these innocents on the street is engulfed by a terror of their own ordinariness. They would do anything to be unique.

Suddenly the staggering love bursts away from me like milk from a smashed glass.

Creativity should be integral to everything that we do. Creativity should also be intrinsic to our personality, if excellence is what we seek.

We are accountable to [God] for the way we use our time.

Always remember that with privilege comes responsibility. You must go to Casa Azul and see the place you came from. Only then will you be able to understand how far you've come.

Mindless fear is greater than mindful fear.

A former congressman on his sexting habit: I have made terrible mistakes. I have not been honest with myself, my family, my constituents, my friends and supporters and the media.

The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.

If there's anything the world disdains more than uppity young women, it's uppity old women. Dying young has always been a woman's best career move.

Gymnastics is not at all as popular as, for example, soccer. Gymnastics as a sport isn't promoted very well.

I have decided that whatever time I may have left is left for Him.

Guitar players never listen to lead singers.