Most of our miseries we bring on ourselves. And they're the sum of our own stupidity.

I want a place. It has to do with the kind of person I want to be. And how I fit in to everything. I want people to listen when I open my mouth. And know I'm worth listening to." She stared at me. "That's all?" To me it was not all, it was everything.

Are all American girls as daft as you, Rachel?" "I hope so," I said.

I will stand by you. You must not be afraid. This is a brave land, Susanna, founded by brave people who never shrank from their duty or their vision of freedom. But this land has a future only if each of us stands up for what is right when it is given us to do so.

A person has to be strong in life. A person must practice strength, even if they don't feel it.

Sometimes it take courage to leave.

Let me say the good are often punished unfairly.