The historical novel gives us perspective on our modern lives and helps us connect with the story, which we are continuing ourselves.

I love teaching. It's a job that lasts forever. Whatever you teach children today travels with them far into the future.

Writing is a miracle. You can travel anywhere in the world, to any time and any place — and still be home in time to have dinner.

I have to keep facing the darkness. If I stand tall and face the thing I fear, I have a chance to conquer it. If I just keep dodging and hiding it will conquer me.

Reading is the basic springboard for learning. And books provide the liftoff. They are the great equalizer, opening up new worlds to everyone.

Then everything was still. Absolutely still.

There is no water and still less soap. We have no city, but lots of hope.

I believe we're entering a new era, where dynamic female leaders will have an opportunity to bring greater harmony and peace to the planet.

Artists have to believe in the merit of their own work and persevere whether they receive public recognition or not, but it's ever so nice when someone says, "Job well done"!

I think it might be nice if there was a Cosimo de' Medici around today, offering commissions to the poor, but talented artists.

set sail on a voyage of your own titanic facts

Change forced by others is difficult to accept. And too rapid a change causes instability.

This should tell you everything you need to know about guys. They only go after what they know they can get. We girls, on the other hand, aim really high. We take a leap.

My house had suddenly turned into a hospital ward.

Social Science … led us to the fallacy that, since all men have their being in culture and as a result of culture, they owe a debt to that culture which even a lifetime of altruism could not repay.

I have a tremendous appetite for life; the phone rings and your whole life could change.

It's always a great day going to work with Ginnifer Goodwin; she's a fantastic actress and I learn so much from her.

We only get to be one person; we don't even get to choose that person. By the time we get ahold of ourselves, we are pieces already in play.

My dad taught me my faith, and I believe what he taught me. The man never lied to me in his life.

A vote for Obama is a vote for the death of Isreal.

Wickedness is always easier than virtue; for it takes the short cut to everything.