I think even great writers only write two books that you might like. When I think of my touchstone writers like Saul Bellow, I think of 'Henderson the Rain King.' With Don DeLillo, I think of 'Libra.'

I can only remember two books from college that moved me: E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' and F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.'

I think one of the things that is essential for happiness in life, or at least for non-sadness, is producing something. I guess that's why I spend so much time and agony writing books. But working on carpentry is sort of like all the pleasure with none of the agony.

I don't think there is such a thing as pure imagination. I think it's a combination of memory and invention.

Books were king, but now movies are king, and books are sort of ignored. So now there's no sense of a welcoming community where you live.

one of the most satisfying writers on the contemporary scene.