True Confessions (compiled and edited by Jon Winokur)

0525934669

First question: what does Winokur have against Madonna? Or, is it that he has something for her?

This was published in 1992, making the profusion of Madonna quotes unintentionally piquant. The remainder of the book--95% of it, really--is quotes from famous people that, purposefully or not, are very telling. It does help if you recognize the person; who is Daniel Berrigan?? Or Quentin Crisp??

The chapters include titles such as “I Am Born,” “The Secret of My Success,” “Obsessions and Compulsions,” and “My Own Epitaph.”

Here’s a sample I liked, from Aaron Copland:

Composers often tell you that they don’t read criticisms of their works. . . . I am an exception. I admit to a curiosity about the slightest clue as to the meaning of a piece of mine--a meaning, that is, other than the one I know I have put there.”

And another, from Kurt Vonnegut: “I’d rather have written Cheers than anything I’ve written.”

This must have been a fun book to write/compile. I wish I’d have thought of it... !