It's not an easy thing to tell a true story.

Nothing, she now knew, could be defined in exclusion, and every bug, pencil, and grass blade was a dictionary in itself, requiring the definitions of all things to fulfill its own.

Obviously this prison has been controversial ever since the first detainees arrived in Guantanamo more than 14 years ago.

Be really, really true to yourself. That to me, has been key to me in understanding how I want to live the second half of my life.

It's fascinating to imagine two successful writers in one house. But when you think about it, it isn't very unusual. In fact, so many writers have writer spouses.

My father was a tyrant about reading, and that put me off books when I was little.

I am sick of being the victim of trends I reflect but don't even understand.

You learn as much from failure as from success, Dad always says. Though no one admires you for it.

You can always tell somebody's sense of humor by if they like this movie or not.

When you want to encourage a greater sense of responsibility in others (and yourself) emphasize the anticipation of accomplishment, not the penalties for failure.

You have not traveled enough," she said. "Or you'd know that every journey makes its own map across your heart.