My identity is deeply intertwined with being a refugee because that's the first experience that I remember.

Every new refugee to a society, whether it's the United States or some other place, is subjected to fear. They are the new outsider population, the new other.

In the United States, the immigrant experience occupies a very central place in American mythology. And sometimes, that place wavers between acceptance and rejection.

Immigrants, as troubling as they are to some people, are an integral part of what the American Dream is supposed to be. They're understandable to a considerable number of Americans.

People might like to think a war is done when a cease fire is signed, but for most people who lived through a war it goes on for decades.

Writers from the majority can assume their audiences know what they're talking about - they don't have to explain things, whereas minority writers are expected to.

I never called myself a writer because it seemed so pretentious - a writer was what somebody else called you, a title bestowed.

I've never stopped being a refugee.

Hollywood in many ways serves as the unofficial ministry of propaganda for the United States.

If you're a so-called minority writer, the temptation is to write for the majority... I refuse to do that.

No one wants for their child to become a refugee. It's an awful experience.

If I give up nine runs on nine hits, I tip my hat.

I think the great artists (..) have always thought with the heart.

The tyrant is nothing but a slave turned inside out.

When the bride is one with her lover, who cares about the wedding party?

Fools take criticism and dish it back. The wise take it and turn it to their advantage.

Taxes are what we pay for civilized society

God gives gifts to everyone, some can write, some can dance. He gave me the skill to play football and I am making the most of it.

My writing process is very organic. I start with an idea. I have the general story arc and the cast. But then I sit down to write, and things change.

Writing should be an adventure, shrouded in mystery and uncertainty, blessed with amazing grace. In theory, of course

I don't know nothing about no jungle and bass.