181 Quotes by Tracy Kidder

I usually write about ordinary people and ordinary things, but Paul Farmer is the least ordinary person I've ever met... He's the leader of a small group of people who hope to cure a sick world, and I hope my book can help in some small way.

In a very basic way, a prominent landmark such as Mt. Holyoke tells you where you are. They let you know that you're not the first person in a place

When I select a topic, it's usually a commitment of two to three years of my life

If you live in the same small place long enough, something you don't like is bound to happen

I never planned on doing a book about Paul Farmer or his organization. I met him in Haiti when I was on a magazine assignment. It's almost like his story sort of fell in my lap.

I tell beginning readers to read a lot and write a lot. If you want to write a book, find a subject that's really worth the time and effort you'll put in.

I think if the writing comes too easily, it shows - it's usually hard to read.

Things were here before you and will be here after you're gone. The geographic features, especially, give you a sense of your own place in the world and in time

Being a professional writer is not an easy way to make a living.