I can remember that on the shelves at home, there were these books by Thomas Wolfe. 'Look Homeward Angel' and 'Of Time and the River.' 'Of Time and the River' had just come out when I was aware of his name. My parents had a hard time convincing me that he was no kin whatsoever. My attitude was, 'Well, what's he doing on the shelf, then?'

The quote by Tom Wolfe offers a glimpse into his early curiosity and attitude toward literature, particularly the works of another writer who shared his last name, Thomas Wolfe. Wolfe recalls seeing Thomas Wolfe’s books—Look Homeward Angel and Of Time and the River—on his parents’ shelves and initially believing they might be kin because of the shared surname. His natural curiosity led him to question why those books were there if they weren’t related, reflecting a child’s instinct to make personal connections.

Wolfe’s anecdote reveals a youthful attitude of inquiry and wonder, as well as the way family and environment can influence one’s early interests and identity. The story shows how exposure to literature at home can spark lifelong passions and a sense of connection, even if the initial assumptions are mistaken. It also subtly touches on the importance of literary heritage and how authors can influence each other across generations.

The origin of this quote comes from Tom Wolfe himself, a renowned American author and journalist known for his pioneering work in New Journalism. His reflection on his early experiences with books gives insight into how his upbringing shaped his literary path and his own development as a writer.

In essence, this quote highlights how an early attitude of curiosity and engagement with literature can shape a person’s life and career. Wolfe’s playful skepticism about the books on his parents’ shelves captures the natural human desire to connect with stories and figures who inspire us.