I had a memory span about as long as the lines in a school play.

For me, the ages between 9 and 12 were great because it was before you wore any masks, and you had some autonomy in the world. You had some freedom, and you felt you had unlimited ambition. It's when you thought, 'I'm going to write plays. I'm going to be president. I'm going to do this; I'm going to do that.' And then it all falls apart.

Obama was the first president whose biography makes sense to me. He can walk into a room anywhere and find common ground with any person.

Claire Messud Quotes