“The fact that at the moment the distinction is being made, a young adult, as opposed to an adult, is the one reading it. In other words, I don’t entirely believe in the distinction. A great book is a great book, and it’s impossible to say what part of a person is going to connect to it.”

“I don’t often know who should read what book. It’s a little bit like trying to set people up on a date — a good match is unpredictable and mysterious.”

“I don't understand your book. Isn't every book a book of words?”

“I’m suspicious of the notion of a single book that would benefit everyone to read.”

“How unjust then to meet that person you love, and be kept away from them only because ones bed is made of hay , and the other, feathers.”

“A book that bores me to tears is a book that neglects character building and quality of prose.”

“My books are likely to contain food stains and rings from my tea cups. A book is to be lived with and used.”