Adam Ross Quotes, born February 15, 1967, in New York City, is an American novelist, short story writer, and editor of The Sewanee Review. His debut novel, Mr. Peanut (2010), a New York Times Notable Book, explored the complexities of marriage and was praised by The New Yorker and The Economist. His story collection Ladies and Gentlemen (2011) and novel Playworld (2025) further showcase his incisive storytelling. A former fellow at the American Academy in Berlin and Princeton, Ross blends dark humor and psychological depth.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, interviews, and public statements—reflect his insights on writing, marriage, human nature, and creativity, capturing his sharp intellect and narrative drive.
15 Adam Ross Quotes
- “You know, as I’ve grown older, my ideas about sin have changed. I used to believe that sins were things you did, but I don’t think that now. I think sins are what you ignore.” (Mr. Peanut, 2010)
- “The best compliment came from Knopf’s Sonny Mehta. We were at lunch in New York with my editor, Gary Fisketjon, it was my first time meeting Sonny, and after ordering our food, he turned to me and said, ‘Adam, I read Mr. Peanut in two days; every page surprised me, and that, I can assure you, doesn’t happen often.’” (Interview, BookBrowse, 2016)
- “Marriage is a kind of prison for anyone who’s miserable in it—men and women alike—and anyone who’s suffered through difficult periods in marriage dreams of escape from it.” (Mr. Peanut, 2010)
- “I think that if you have a knack for storytelling, and you work really hard at it, you’ll have a chance to tap into something deep. But the fact remains that good sentences are hard won.” (Interview, AllGreatQuotes, n.d.)
- “Hardcover and paperback forever. Someone carve that into a tree.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “People think of travel, of movement, as a kind of reprieve from life. But they’re wrong. Movement isn’t a reprieve. There is no reprieve. Movement is our permanent state.” (Mr. Peanut, 2010)
- “I play golf, but sometimes it’s so un-relaxing, I have to play tennis to wind down. Now that I think about it, this process is sort of like when I go out for sushi and have to get a slice of pizza afterward.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Writers do well to carefully attend to those moments of inspiration, because chances are that they’re writing from a very deep place.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Perhaps it’s simply the dual nature of marriage, the proximity of violence and love.” (Mr. Peanut, 2010)
- “I’m interested in the limits of personality, in the possibility of change, and the saving power of art.” (Interview, Minimalist Quotes, n.d.)
- “There was a long stint during my childhood after I gave up on being a pro football player—we’re talking sixth grade here—that I strongly considered a future writing and drawing comic books.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The heart, he said, is half criminal. The trick is to be vigilant. To keep your eyes open, so if you get a look at this side of yourself you can make a positive ID.” (Mr. Peanut, 2010)
- “Stories can stun you. Simply put, you can read a story in a single sitting and hold it all in your mind.” (Interview, Minimalist Quotes, n.d.)
- “Once when I went over my work with my Washington University professor, the late great Stanley Elkin, he pointed to a passage of mine and said: ‘Stop vamping.’ It has remained a caution.” (Interview, Minimalist Quotes, n.d.)
- “Mr. Peanut is not about a man who dreams of killing his wife; that’s jacket copy, to me. Mr. Peanut is about the dynamism of marriage and the distances—some tragic, some redemptive—that marriages travel over time.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
Adam Ross’s quotes are a piercing blend of wit, psychological insight, and literary passion, urging readers and writers to wrestle with life’s complexities, honor inspiration, and craft stories that resonate deeply. Which one sparks your imagination? Share it below and keep Ross’s narrative fire burning!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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