“This memoir is one of the most brutally honest books I’ve ever read. You will grow to believe, and cheer on, this flawed hero as he gains a liberating knowledge of himself.”

“Irene closed her book and stared at the older Van Holtz. “I don’t dislike him. But that was recent. I used to not like him but he’s been very kind since I’ve been here. So now I like him. I’d almost say we are friendly…but perhaps that’s too big a leap at this stage.” He gave a soft laugh. “I see. Are you always this…uh…” “Brutally honest?” “I was going to say direct, but brutally honest works as well.” “Yes. I am. And I know—it’s a character flaw.” “Not at all. I love honest people.” “Everyone says that…until I say something they don’t like. Then I’m a bitch.”

“He that loves a book will never want a [close] friend,a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter.By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocentlydivert and pleasantly entertain himself,as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.”

“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.”

“If you believe that no one was ever corrupted by a book, you have also to believe that no one was ever improved by a book.”

“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, and effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasently entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes." - Barrow”