Get ready for a lot of interesting Jonathan Franzen quotes, guys! Franzen’s forthcoming novel Purity is out September 1, which means he’s on a press tour. In an interview with The Guardian, the novelist talks about how he once considered adopting an Iraqi orphan as a way to understand the younger generation. “Oh, it was insane, the idea that Kathy [his partner] and I were going to adopt an Iraqi war orphan. The whole idea lasted maybe six weeks,†he said. “One of the things that had put me in mind of adoption was a sense of alienation from the younger generation. They seemed politically not the way they should be as young people. I thought people were supposed to be idealistic and angry. And they seemed kind of cynical and not very angry. At least not in any way that was accessible to me.†Fortunately, a sensible editor, Henry Finder at The New Yorker, suggested that he meet with some college students instead. “It cured me of my anger at young people,†Franzen said. This is a good example of why every writer needs a good editor.