“Books say: She did this because. Life says: She did this. Books are where things are explained to you; life is where things aren't. I'm not surprised some people prefer books.”

“To be stupid, and selfish, and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness - though if stupidity is lacking, the others are useless.”

“Part of love is preparing for death. You feel confirmed in your love when she dies. You got it right. This is part of it all.”

“The writer has little control over personal temperament, none over historical moment, and is only partly in charge of his or her own aesthetic.”