“Those who laugh loud also cry hard. (153)”

“Without knowing what I'm doing, I'm on the floor in front of her chair, kneeling with my head in her lap, sobbing. She hugs me and strokes my head, and we both cry for a long time. (266)”

“He's not one for reading, which to me is like saying you're not one for breathing.”

“Before I grad her book and mine, I go sit next to her on the organ bench and she gives me a big grandma hug - her special version, made from strong arms, old-fashioned perfume, and years of practice. The kind that makes you think you've won the best prize in the world. For love and safety, find your grandma. (76)”

“Judge people by how they stand there and do nothing when bad shit happens. (157)”

“When they start killing the men of ideas, you can be sure the Devil is laughing.”

“One of my favourite things about dining outdoors in a warmer season is that it frees hands and bares skin. ... When we don't need to wear or carry heavy clothing, our bodies feel lighter and our hands are freed for other things. Like carrying bottles of rosé; bags of stone fruit, fish, and clams; and a simple kettle and a tiny grill for a quiet, all-day beach excursion. Then we can eat well.”