“Both reading and writing are experiences--lifelong-- in the course of which we who encounter words used in certain ways are persuaded by them to be brought mind and heart within the presence...”

“Writers and travelers are mesmerized alike by knowing of their destinations.”

“Indeed, learning to write may be part of learning to read. For all I know, writing comes out of a superior devotion to reading.”

“He, who had once been the declared optimist, had not once expressed hope. Now it was she who was offering it to him. And it might be false hope”