In an unpredictable and unpleasant world it was both unusual and very pleasant to hear what I wanted to hear.

The feel of them (books) and the smell of them. A bookshop was like an Aladdin's cave for me. Entire worlds and lives can be found just behind that glossy cover. All you had to do was look." Claire (Watermelon)

As you know, I don't believe in fear, just an invention by men so they get all the money and good jobs.

I am different when my nails are done. I am more dynamic. I gesticulate more, I am better at scaring my staff. I can indicate impatience by drumming on tabletops and I can wrap up a meeting with a few choice clatters.

I think denial's fascinating. It's a jokey word, but it really happens, and sometimes in enormous ways.

Love is blind, there was no doubt about it. In Tara's case it was also deaf, dumb, dyslexic, had a bad hip and the beginnings of Alzheimer's

Political correctness is a minefield