“A violent act pierces the atmosphere, leaving a hole through which the cold, damp draft of its memory blows forever.”

“it's much more interesting to try and understand what binds two people together. why we stay with each other is much more of a mystery than why we don't.”

“Libraries are like houses of worship: Whether or not you use them yourself, it's important to know that they are there. In many ways they define a society and the values of that society. Librarians to me are the keepers of the flame of knowledge. When I was growing up, the librarian in my local library looked like a meek little old lady, but after you spent some time with her, you realized she was Athena with a sword, a wise and wonderful repository of wisdom.”

“People are only taken seriously as they take themselves.”

“people without sense of humor aren't much fun to be around, no matter how far they've gotten.”

“i'm out to make difference in the world, to lead the way by giving much and giving often.”

“we all get humiliated at some point or another during our lives. the trick is not to let it make you resentful or defeatist.”