Christina Baker Kline
Christina Baker Kline
Christina Baker Klineis an American novelist. She is the author of five novels, including the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Orphan Train, and has co-authored or edited five non-fiction books. Kline is the recipient of several Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Fellowships and has received numerous other awards...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNovelist
CountryUnited States of America
life throws
You have to try to take what life throws at you with grace and equanimity.
few hats humans needles orbit suddenly sweaters wear yarn
For a few years, skeins of yarn piled up in baskets around the house. There weren't enough humans in my mother's orbit to wear all the scarves and sweaters and hats she knitted. And then, as suddenly as she started, she lost interest, leaving needles still entwined in half-finished fragments.
abandoned children orphans particular
Many people, for many reasons, feel rootless - but orphans and abandoned or abused children have particular cause.
few human orphan riders simply surprised surprising trait whether
The most surprising thing, honestly, is that so few Americans know about the orphan trains. I was also surprised at the resilience and fortitude of the riders I met, their pragmatism and grace. I don't know whether this is a Midwestern trait or simply a human one.
funny inspire parents sisters sustain three
My parents are a bedrock. And I have three complex, strong, and funny sisters who inspire and sustain me.
anyone drawer furniture lunch middle rarely rearrange serve stays
I will not serve lunch to anyone in the middle of a workday. I rarely rearrange my furniture or cabinets; once I find a drawer for something, it stays there. I don't garden. And I don't knit.
interested people terms
As a novelist, I have always been interested in how people come to terms with difficult, life-altering events.
death paperback understood
For years I'd understood that publishing in paperback was the kiss of death.
observing work
I often work and write in coffee shops, observing the baristas and eavesdropping on interesting conversations.
readers
I think a lot of readers are looking for a book they can talk about.
almost large technology uses
Without even thinking about it, my son uses technology in almost everything he does, large and small.
beyond define defined letting mind ourselves question shape trauma
I don't think that trauma is an illusion; there is no question in my mind that circumstances beyond our control can shape and define us. But ultimately, we make choices about letting ourselves be defined by our pasts.
call connected humans irony love lucky married shared soulmate three
I have three sons, as different from each other as any three humans could be but connected by their shared love of Guitar Hero. I'm lucky to be married to a man I can call my soulmate without any irony whatsoever.
engine expand few land might miss search shakespeare specific symbols thinking topic type unexpected words
When you can type a few words into a search engine and land on your topic - or when you can scan a Shakespeare play for specific words or symbols - what opportunities might you miss to expand your thinking in unexpected ways?