“I had refused Emerson's well-meant offers of assistance, knowing his efforts would be confined to moving the furniture to the wrong places and demanding how much longer the process would take.”

“Affection would not be affection if it was loudly and frequently expressed; to produce it in public is like getting your household furniture out for a move. It did very well in its place, but it looks shabby or tawdry or grotesque in the sunshine.”

“She is fiercely protective of all those she loves, Emerson. She would take your part just as vigorously if someone were unkind to you.''D'you think so?' Emerson considered this idea.'I refuse to pick a quarrel with you so that Sennia can defend you. She'll get over it; just be polite to Gargery.''Damnation,' said Emerson”

“Marie refuses to describe herself as "cured." She feels such a label ignores the process of getting and staying healthy. 'When I was released from Sutton State Hospital, I didn't come out 'well.' It was a process of getting well. In my first years out, I would sometimes have to sit rigidly by the door, stuck in my anxiety, disconnected from my feelings. I still had to learn that I couldn't demand love and attention - I have to learn to exchange feelings.' (xiii)”

“If God were to hold all Truth concealed in his right hand, and in his left only the steady and diligent drive for Truth, albeit with the proviso that I would always and forever err in the process, and to offer me the choice, I would with all humility take the left hand.”

“That would be the death of anyone - to recognize false hopes with a certainty. One mustn't know that. If it is offered, refuse!”