“Jude's fourth law: Caring equals vulnerability. Never show either.”

“Jude's rule number five: Never get to close to anyone or anything that you can't walk away at a moment's notice if you have to.When you have to.”

“D'you ever wonder what it would be like if our positions were reversed?' I ask. At Jack's puzzled look I continue. 'If we whites were in charge instead of you Crosses?''Can't say it's ever crossed my mind,' Jack shrugs.'I used to think about it a lot,' I sigh. 'Dreams of living in a world with no more discrimination, no more prejudice, a fair police force, an equal justice system, equality of education, equality of life, a level playing field...”

“Because my mum and dad brought me up to believe that people are different but equal. And that I should treat everyone, no matter who, with the same respect I'd like to be shown.”

“Never, ever allow yourself to feel. Feelings kill.”

“That just the way it is. Some things will never change. That's just the way it is. But don't you believe them.”

“I pulled him closer to me, wrapping my arms around him, kissing him just as desperately as he was kissing me. Like if we could just love long enough and hard enough and deep enough, then the world outside would never, could never hurt us.”