For me, a novel relying too heavily on a single idea might be a dry, deadly thing unless it possesses an animating force.

Being a teacher at a restaurant in the town where you lived was a little like being a TV star.

While it's true that some writers, when taking on love and war, find the task too big, or only succeed in one but not the other, Mengestu tracks both themes with authority and feeling.

Good writing is good writing, and I'm so happy when I read it.

You had only one chance for a signature in life, but most people left no impression.

The child who was happy with herself meant the parents had won the jackpot.

People like to warn you that by the time you reach the middle of your life, passion will begin to feel like a meal eaten long ago, which you remember with great tenderness.

After a certain age, you felt a need not to be alone. It grew stronger, like a radio frequency, until finally it was so powerful that you were forced to do something about it.

Wasn't the whole point of being an artist, or at least part of it, that you didn't have to wear a tie?

The generation that had information, but no context. Butter, but no bread. Craving, but no longing.

But clearly life took people and shook them around until finally they were unrecognizable even to those who had once known them well. Still, there was power in once having known someone.

I am a war president.

…believing sarcasm and rude remarks kept the monsters at bay. They didn’t.

Tasting what could have been—what should have been—didn't make it easier.

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible.

Sergeant Bergdahl may have broken any number of military laws.

It is nearly impossible to hate anyone whose story you know.

Many a man thinks he is buying pleasure, when he is really selling himself to it.

Linda Evans Shepherd has blessed many by her warmth and openness. She's not only a delightful person, but she encourages others as she shares her joy.

I wouldn't even mention myself in the same breath as someone like big Paul.

I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.