When someone you love dies, and you're not expecting it, you don''t lose her all at once; you lose her in pieces over a long time. - John Irving

I'll tell you what's wrong with dumb-shit patriotism — it's delusional! It signifies nothing but the American need to win

If you don't feel you are possibly on the edge of humiliating yourself, of losing control of the whole thing, then what you're doing probably isn't very vital.

If you don't feel that you are writing somewhat over your head, why do it? If you don't have some doubt of your authority to tell this story, then you're not trying to tell enough.

A woman half dressed seemed to have some power, but a man was simply not as handsome as when he was naked, and not as secure as when he was clothed.