When he needed to calm his mind, he opened a book. Any book. He had never failed to feel refreshed, even if the book was no good. - Louise Erdrich

Books contain everything worth knowing except what ultimately matters.

I already knew, too, that these questions would not change the facts. But they would inevitably change the way we sought justice.

The recent abundance of Native American writers follows the course of Native American fortunes in general. Things got better for Native Americans in education, in health, in many areas. I'm one who has benefited from Bureau of Indian Affairs money and education. The program at Dartmouth really stresses the importance of keeping your heritage. All of these things really work together. If things continue as they are now under the Reagan administration, we can expect to see a corresponding absence of younger Native American writers as well as Native American doctors, lawyers, everything-who don't have the educational advantages. These things are linked to a national governmental attitude toward keeping those promises of providing education and tribal assistance. (1986)