“She was also incredibly confident, with a way of moving and talking that communicated that she didn't need anyone to tell her she was beautiful or worthwhile.”

“They had as good a shot at making it as anyone did, but what if marriage didn't solve anything and didn't save anyone even a little bit? What then?”

“Books could be an incredible adventure. I stayed under my blanket and barely moved, and no one would have guessed how my mind raced and my heart soared with stories.”

“I'd never met anyone so vibrant or alive. He moved like light.”

“... and yet he could also be very charming, in a bookish, infinitely apologetic way.”

“There's so much to lose.""There always is," she said.I sighed and reached for another biscuit. "Are you always this wise, Ruth?""Only when it comes to other people's lives.”

“More and more I find myself at a loss for words and didn't want to hear other people talking either. Their conversations seemed false and empty. I preferred to look at the sea, which said nothing and never made you feel alone.”