“Living on earth has always been a dangerous way to spend your time.”

“Being a writer guarantees that you will spend too much time alone -- and that as a result, your mind will begin to warp.”

“Jealousy has always been my cross, the weakness and woundedness in me that has most often caused me to feel ugly and unlovable, like the Bad Seed.”

“Your problem is how you are going to spend this one and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.”

“What if Sam's heart got broken again? As with most kids who are fourteen, it has been spackled and duct-taped and caulked back together many times as it is. [p. 258]”

“This family business can be so stressful - difficult, damaged people showing up t spend time with other difficult, damanged people”

“I was frozen like in a dream when your feet weigh fifty pounds each and the danger is almost upon you.”