Playing Hooky

I took today off to work on my thesis. It's due Friday. But before I settle down to work, I'd like to mention this essay by Mark Haddon. It has some really nice parts. A few quotes for your reading pleasure:

"I don't remember deciding to become a writer. You decide to become a dentist or a postman. For me, writing is like being gay. You finally admit that this is who you are, you come out and hope that no one runs away."

"It's not about you. No one wants to know how clever you are. Like children, adults need to be entertained. Even those reading to make themselves better people would prefer to enjoy the process. They don't want an insight into your mind, thrilling as it might be. They want an insight into their own.

Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well."