Why did you regret the Faulkner and the Hugo?

That was in high school with particularly bad teachers. Needless to say, that was over 20 years ago. I should read these novels once again. I mean, I am studying Philosophy and Literature in college now.

It's amazing how many people seemed to have "bad" English teachers in high school who "ruined" reading for them, or at least reading certain kinds of literature. Sad and troubling. I'm very glad that you're continuing your education (in two very mind-expanding fields)!

I grew up in Tennessee, nuff said!

Aww, don't say that! :)

Oh, don't tell me you live there.

No, I've never been there.

You're not missing anything.

Not even Nashville? ;)

I really would like to visit each of the 50 states at least once in my life.

I've been to most states. But I've not been to Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii, and most of New England. And Michigan!
I thought Kansas was beautiful when the wheat turn gold. It actually looked like amber waves. Utah at night felt as if I was on the moon! The Rockies in Colorado actually looks purple! But the old mountains of the East has a special place in my heart.
If you want, I could be your guide in Nashville. I've been told it has become a hip and happening city. Hard for me to believe...

Oh man, I can't wait to visit Hawaii! And I must go to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon some time.

America the Beautiful ...

Yes, we truly live in a beautiful country.