“And my father, who never once in his life would have used the word 'nigger,' would smile and give an almost imperceptible laugh -- not a trace of rage on behalf of black people, not a trace of rage on behalf of me.”

“Rage filled me at her words - cold, black, unending rage. Whatever happened to me, Mab would not hurt my sister again. She would not.”

“Oh, i'm sorry. I would never make fun of your extensive efforts to make me smile." "Actually," Hardy said, turning serious as he reached forward to trace the corner of Miracle's mouth. "I would do almost anything to see you smile.”

“I'd rather have a daughter in a whorehouse than a son in the police force,' Esther used to rage to anyone who would listen.”

“His rage passes description - the sort of rage that is only seen when rich folk that have more than they can enjoy suddenly lose something that they have long had but have never before used or wanted.”

“I remember being told of a poor wretch I once knew, who had died of hunger. I was almost beside myself with rage! I believe if I could have resuscitated him I would have done so for the sole purpose of murdering him!”