“For in song lies the mystery of Being.”

“One time her father told her Shakespeare was really an Arab. 'Just look at his name: It's an Anglicization of Sheikh Zubayr,' he said with a straight face.”

“That's Pete Seeger,' Joy said, indicating the snake with a nod. 'Baker beaned 'im, Dad stuffed 'im, and I named 'im.”

“You knew you were an Arab if your ride form the airport was two dozen people.”

“Juma: I'm not a woman--I don't know HOW to cook!Khadra: Well, it didn't come with my BOOBS!”

“[He] [w]ent deep into the cave where wounded men go when they walk around not talking to anyone about what's happening to them on the inside. Also known as Terre Haute.”

“Peeling an eggplant was like unveiling an ivory-skinned woman dressed all in black.”