There are two MFA programs here at the University of Texas, and I read on the jury of both of them. And it's amazing to me how many really talented young writers seem to fear humor.

Grief lasts longer than sympathy, which is one of the tragedies of the grieving.

It's a happy life, but someone is missing. It's a happy life, and someone is missing.

The cure for unhappiness is happiness, I don't care what anyone says.

Librarian like Stewardess, Certified Public Accountant, Used Car Salesman is one of those occupations that people assume attract a certain deformed personality.

The idea of a library full of books, the books full of knowledge, fills me with fear and love and courage and endless wonder.

You can't out-travel sadness. I travel not to get away from my troubles but to see how they look in front of famous buildings

I believe marriage is a spectator sport.

I come from food the way some people come from money. Food was the medium I grew up in, what we talked about, what shaped our days.

Books remember all the things you cannot contain.

Fire is a speed reader, which is why the ignorant burn books: fire races through pages, takes care of all the knowledge, and never bores you with a summary.

Don't you love Jesus?' Well, I thought an' I thought an' finally I says, 'No, I don't know nobody name' Jesus. I know a bunch of stories, but I only love people.

Lovely thoughts came flying to meet me like birds. They weren't my thoughts. I couldn't think anything half so exquisite. They came from somewhere.

Many people go through life complaining, whining, and obsessing so much about what they don’t have that they are doing exactly what it takes to block it.

There is nothing quite so terrifying as a mad sheep.

The extreme delight we experience in talking about ourselves should warn us that those who listen do not share it.

I trust in you, Lord, but keep helping me in my moments of distrust and doubt.

Usually, a Range Rover would be beaten away from the lights by a diesel powered wheelbarrow.

I'll make love to you in all good places, under black mountains and open spaces.

I never really said I want to be a role model. But then when it happened I was so down for it.

I had to get back to work... NBC has me under contract; the baby and I only have a verbal agreement.