Jayne Anne Phillips . . . is at the height of her powers in Lark and Termite. . . . This is a major novel from one of America's finest writers.

Story is a yearning meeting an obstacle.

All plot comes from the character's trying to get something, to achieve something, wanting, desiring, longing.

The ironic humor comes from the distance between what we understand about ourselves and what is truly going on in ourselves.

We are the yearning creatures of this planet.

The monitor presently shows the Windows Blue Screen of Death, though this does not alarm him, as the BSoD is the universal screen saver in Hell.

Turn your doubts to question turn your question to prayers turn your prayers to God.

Nothing will unfold for us unless we move toward what looks to us like nothing: faith is a cascade.

You're 'wealthy' if you don't worry

The cat has complete emotional honesty - an attribute not often found in humans.

The best conducting technique is that which achieves the maximum musical result with the minimum effort. The only general rule is to infuse all gestures with precision, clarity, and vitality.

It may be impossible to have a revolution without crimes but that does not make revolution a crime.

Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until it can't go wrong.

Hollywood is run by Jews, it is owned by Jews.

All men look nerdy in black socks and sandals.

It is much more exquisite to be blown from the tree as a flower than to be shaken down as a shriveled and bitter fruit.