“I walked inside Macy’s and faced the pathetic spectacle of a department store full of shoppers, none of whom were shopping for themselves. Without the instant gratification of a self-aimed purchase, everyone walked around in the tactical stupor of the financially obligated.”

“A department store two days before Christmas Eve is like a city in a state of siege....”

“Bruises mapped my body from bumping into tables and tripping over curbs while walking with a book in my hand, my eyes focused on the pages instead of the live space around me.”

“I figured being a bed salesman was a job of biblically bad paradox. I mean, here he was, forced to stand for eight or nine hours a day, and the whole time he’s surrounded by beds. And not only that, he’s surrounded by shoppers who see the beds and can’t help but think, Man, I’d love to lie down on that bed for a second. So not only does he have to stop himself from lying down, but he has to stop everyone else from doing it, too. I knew if I were him, I would be desperate for human company.”

“The Secret tactic of a good hard bargainer is know when to compromise.For instance.I will demand a puppy if I am forced to move to Fiji.But I will settle for a bunny.”

“It still might be a shock. To realize you are just one story walking among millions.”

“Let your thoughts run free, as if your mind is taking a leisurely Sunday afternoon walk through a garden in spring bloom.I stand in the hallway, mute. Alone. I realize: I must develop the ability to go the distance rather than just envy it.Don't speak unless you can improve on silenceThe truth is never as interesting as what people whisper about themIt's because the dream is so perfect that I can walk away from itThat blackness brought me out of the nightmare and into this morning's light”