“In my experience, anybody besides your mom that feeds you is going to want something in exchange for it.”

“I haven't slept with him, Mom." I whispered, lying through my teeth. I just didn't want to discuss my sex life with her. She would probably critique my oral skills or something."I should have known. You don't sleep with anybody. That's why you can't keep a man.”

“It's my experience that you first feel the impulse to write in your chest. It's like falling in love, only more so. It feels like something criminal. It feels like unspeakably wild sex. So, think: When you feel the overpowering need to go out and find some unspeakably wild sex, do you rush to tell your mom about it?”

“and nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old”

“Does anybody know how to hold my heartHow to hold my heart?'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go too soonI want to tell you so before the sun goes darkHow to hold my heart'Cause I don't want to let go, let go, let go of you”

“You realize that you habitually thought of Mom when something in your life was not going well, because when you thought of her it was as though something got back on track, and you felt re-energized.”