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Also, if nothing else, writing this book has really changed the way I experience bookstores. I have a whole different appreciation for the amount of work packed into even the slimmest volume on the shelves.

I've summarized dozens of books in my literary career; it's become rather second nature.

One of the things I've tried to do in my career is really write different kinds of books, so I'm able to broaden people's expectations of what I'm allowed to do.

I enjoy adapting my own work, or anybody's work. I like to adapt books.

Throughout my career as a lawyer, teacher and labor leader, books have remained my constant companion - stuffed into a briefcase, overflowing on my bedside table, stacked on my desk at work. Books have carried me to distant worlds, opened new doors and made me feel empathy, compassion, anger, fear, joy, acceptance - and everything in between.

I just love doing different things, which is what being a working author is like.

As a writer, you live in such isolation. It's hard to imagine your book has a life beyond you.

Life-transforming ideas have always come to me through books.

Every book is a new journey. I never felt I was an expert on a subject as I embarked on a project.

With each book I write, I become more and more convinced that the books have a life of their own, quite apart from me.