It troubles me that people speak about writing for money as ugly and distasteful.

The vehemence with which certain critics have chosen not simply to criticize what I've written, but to challenge my writing this story at all, speaks of what the book is about: fear of disapproval.

Not only did I avoid speaking of Salinger; I resisted thinking about him. I did not reread his letters to me. The experience had been too painful.

A man kind of dictates the rules about how he is to be treated, and for 30 years, people do what he says. I can't think of another public figure -- and he IS a public figure -- who has been allowed to do that. He's not a monster, but he's not a god. He's a man.

If I told you about all the stories I don't tell, I would be violating the very boundaries I set for myself.

Long after Salinger sent me away, I continued to believe his standards and expectations were the best ones.