Elinor Lipman Quotes

Powerful Elinor Lipman for Daily Growth

About Elinor Lipman

Elinor Lipman (born May 31, 1960) is an acclaimed American novelist and short-story writer, renowned for her insightful, humorous, and emotionally resonant works. Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Lipman attended Wesleyan University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English. Lipman's literary career began when she was only 24 years old, with the publication of her debut novel, 'Good Riders,' which was set on Martha's Vineyard and explored themes of friendship and self-discovery. The book garnered positive reviews for its witty dialogue and charming characters, establishing Lipman as a promising new voice in American fiction. Over the course of her career, Lipman has written eight novels and two short story collections. Her works often explore themes of love, family, and friendship, and are characterized by their sharp, observant humor and their warm, compassionate portrayal of characters grappling with real-life issues. Notable works include 'The Family Man' (1995), which was a New York Times bestseller and finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award; 'Then She Found Me' (2006), which was adapted into a film starring Helen Hunt and Colin Firth; and 'I Can't Complain' (2017), a collection of stories set in the contemporary South. In addition to her writing, Lipman is also a frequent contributor to various publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Granta. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize and the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction. Elinor Lipman continues to be an influential voice in contemporary American literature, offering readers insightful, humorous, and emotionally powerful stories that resonate with a wide audience.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A person in a house is a story. A person on a street is an appendix."

This quote by Elinor Lipman suggests that individuals within familiar, intimate spaces (houses) are integral parts of a captivating narrative because they embody complexity, history, and unique personalities. On the other hand, when a person is on a street, they become less integrated into a specific story, becoming more of an inconsequential detail, like an appendix - still important in its own right, but less integral to the overall tale. This interpretation underscores the idea that our connections and relationships with others and our environment play significant roles in shaping who we are as individuals and in how our stories unfold.


"There's no time for caution when your heart's on the line."

This quote suggests that in matters close to one's heart, there should be little hesitation or delay due to fear or uncertainty. It encourages boldness and immediate action when emotional involvement is present. The implication is that the potential rewards of acting on feelings are worth the risks involved.


"I could have told you that what I wanted was the wrong thing, but it took me getting it to know that."

This quote suggests a common human experience where we may not always realize what we truly desire until we acquire something else. It implies that sometimes, we must go through the process of having or achieving something "wrong" for us, to eventually understand what is genuinely fulfilling and meaningful in life.


"The most interesting people don't think they are."

This quote suggests that truly captivating individuals are often unaware of their own charm or intrigue, as they focus more on living authentically rather than seeking attention or validation. They prioritize personal growth, empathy, and genuine connections over the need to impress others. Essentially, their innate qualities and actions speak for themselves, making them alluring in a subtle yet profound way.


"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

This quote emphasizes the importance of having a strong personal identity, values, and principles. In other words, if one lacks a clear sense of what they believe in or stand for, they risk being easily swayed by external influences, opinions, or circumstances. Standing for something means to have convictions, to be resilient, and to maintain integrity even in the face of adversity. It encourages individuals to develop their character, make informed decisions, and lead purposeful lives.


An early editor characterized my books as 'romantic comedy for intelligent adults.' I think people see them as funny but kind. I don't set out to write either funny or kind, but it's a voice they like, quirky like me... And you know, people like happy endings.

- Elinor Lipman

Happy, Voice, I Think, Endings

I was a roving guard on the Lowell Hebrew Community Center's girls' basketball team all through high school. My specialty was stealing the ball, but my only shot was a lay-up.

- Elinor Lipman

Through, Specialty, Guard, Basketball Team

I wear a pedometer, aiming for five miles a day - don't be too impressed; that includes walking around my house and food shopping.

- Elinor Lipman

Wear, Around, Impressed, Shopping

My narrators tend to be women with low self-esteem, so I can send them to charm school.

- Elinor Lipman

Self-Esteem, I Can, Them, Send

I was nearly fired from my second job, which was writing press releases for Boston's public television station.

- Elinor Lipman

Boston, Fired, Which, Press

Five hundred words a day is what I aim for. And I don't go on to the next chapter until I've polished and polished and polished the one I'm working on.

- Elinor Lipman

Chapter, Next, Hundred, Polished

I watch golf on television, although I don't golf - except for visits to the driving range in spurts.

- Elinor Lipman

Golf, Visits, Although, Driving

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.