I went back to the notion of story, which is always a good thing to have if you're trying to get people to pay attention to a book and pick up information along the way.

For some time now, I have been encouraging people to ask themselves why things look the way they do.

Occasionally, I just need to escape from my work or be reminded of the comparative bliss of my own life, so I pick up a novel.

Making books is hard work. Some books are, of course, more demanding than others.

I'm a big fan of the digestive system.

If you are lucky enough to be successful, you get drawn further in and you stop paying attention to the stuff that matters.

Keating stood still, because he understood for the first time what it was that artists spoke about when they spoke of beauty.

Why did I always end up loving the person who hurt me the most? Why was love so cruel?

Climb upon the hates, and build upon the loves.

I too am my own forerunner, though I sit in the shadows of my trees and seem motionless.

You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.

I am not good at small talk. I will hide in a cupboard to avoid chitty-chat.

The purpose of this life and all its experiences is not to make ourselves what we think we should be. It is to unfold who we already are.

I worry about the entire structure of American democracy under Trump.

There is too little courtship in the world.

I have a story that will make you believe in God.