We read and remember certain writers because they offer distinctive voices and perspectives, because they've given themselves over completely and passionately to their obsessions while vigorously ignoring everything else. Chang-Rae Lee completelydistinctivehave share on social
As for what's the most challenging aspect of teaching, it's convincing younger writers of the importance of reading widely and passionately. Chang-Rae Lee aspectchallengeconvince Change image and share on social
I'm interested in people who find themselves in places, either of their choosing or not, and who are forced to decide how best to live there. That feeling of both citizenship and exile, of always being an expatriate - with all the attendant problems and complications and delight. Chang-Rae Lee attendantchoosecitizenship share on social
In my other books, things do happen, but they are kind of bookends to the real action, which for me was an exploration of consciousness. Not that I don't get into the consciousness of the people in 'The Surrendered,' but you could say there's not as much anxiety about it. Chang-Rae Lee actionanxietybook share on social
For me, that's always been one of the great charms of the first person: we gain access to a very personal, private kind of music. Chang-Rae Lee accesscharmgain Change image and share on social
A novel, even a social realist one, can't simply be a comprehensive rendering of what is. A novel requires a special angle or approach, whether in structure or language or theme, to justify itself. Chang-Rae Lee angleapproachcomprehensive Change image and share on social
What's fun about a dystopian novel is that we can enjoy and be entertained. But that world is only slightly different, right? It's familiar enough to be recognizable, and skewed enough to give us pause. Chang-Rae Lee dystopianenjoyentertain share on social
I can put together a pretty decent meal from whatever happens to be in the refrigerator and the pantry. I like the challenge of this sort of improvisation, the rigor of limitation and sometimes having to take a risk. Chang-Rae Lee challengedecentimprovisation share on social
I'll read pretty much anywhere and anytime, but for a while now, I've really enjoyed reading on flights, especially the longer hauls, when I'm unplugged from everything and can completely immerse myself in the world of a book and submit happily to its rhythms, perspectives, ideas. Chang-Rae Lee anytimebookcompletely share on social
I write on a computer. On breaks, I'll make myself green tea. I don't want something too caffeinated. I guess I don't believe in chemical enhancement of my writing. Just slight, but nothing crazy. Chang-Rae Lee breakcaffeinatedchemical Change image and share on social
