The difference between a critic and a reviewer is, I forget … I’ve always wanted to be a critic. Yes, really. Like wanting to be a dentist or an undertaker. Some kids are funny that way. No, ma’am, I have never wanted to write creatively. I was an unnatural little boy in many ways. The rumor that I used to torture flies probably contains some truth. I did write a poem once, in alexandrines, but I didn’t much care for it. Yes, it’s in my wallet now.
—Wilfrid Sheed in Max Jamison
