“I didn’t set out to write a book to promote world peace; the person who does is doomed,” says Bausch.”

“Jorie Graham told me, “You will never be funny.” That’s why I’m not a poet anymore.”

“I finished [your book] the next morning, and I got up and went upstairs and I got my kids up and I just sat there in the bed and held them.”

“The wild success of its prodigal child did not guarantee Candelario’s prosperity.”

“The most damaging deficit with which poor and minority children must cope is their deficit of hope.”

“9. Leave an ethereal reminder of your presence. A skull will do.”

“You: A canny observer in a white suit and a fine cravat. The Culture: Just waiting for someone to explain it to itself.”

“Pamuk has given voice to nearly every society in the world torn between the longing to be global and to be itself.”

“Two weeks ago, I ordered a bowl of chili. The counterman nods. “So when are you gonna review Google Wave?”

“That little drawing, ‘The Au charbonnage café’ is really nothing special, but I couldn’t help making it.”