I don't think any good book is based on factual experience. Bad books are about things the writer already knew before he wrote them.

I must write the book out in my head now, before I sit down.

A good writer is not, per se, a good book critic. No more so than a good drunk is automatically a good bartender.

Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.

The United States is very good at understanding itself, and very bad at understanding others.

I know you wrote a book on the raids, ... You know that's a federal offense, but you did a good job. I like you very much. You're one of my best gunners. Give me the book, and I'll mail it back to you after the war.