I was unhappy that, when Katrina hit, I was only writing checks. That just didn't seem to be enough.

When Rev. Samuels was talking about the trip , it was like the divine spirit was speaking through her mouth. My reaction was almost immediate.

There wasn't a cricket, a bird, a bug; it was completely dead. But out of this crucible came a family. We were cooking for each other, hugging each other, supporting each other when someone was depressed. And praying together. ... It was an emotional roller-coaster.

Her vision of what the country is, and what she should be writing about, is totally her own. She's utterly in step with the current moment. She's in touch with contemporary culture and the things people in their 20s are interested in, but it's all informed with a level of attention and idealism about America as a place you would expect from somebody much older and tweedier.

Her vision of what the country is, and what she should be writing about, is totally her own. She's utterly in step with the current moment, ... She's in touch with contemporary culture and the things people in their 20s are interested in, but it's all informed with a level of attention and idealism about America as a place you would expect from somebody much older and tweedier.

The biggest problem is keeping the cell tower aloft.