Whipping is fifty percent show and noise.

Without memory there can be no insight. Without love, there can be no appreciation.

The only power that exists is inside ourselves.

And books, they offer one hope -- that a whole universe might open up from between the covers, and falling into that universe, one is saved.

It was as if the empty nights were made for thinking of him. And sometimes I found myself so vividly aware of him it was as if he had only just left the room and the ring of his voice were still there. And somehow, there was a disturbing comfort in that, and, despite myself, I’d envision his face.

When I realized that Reuben was a young man who really wanted to be taken seriously, because he was dismissed for being too good looking or because he had too much money - his character really came to life for me. I began to understand that, and see that a lot of people feel this way - misunderstood because of their talents or gifts or background.

It is tragic that many in America think of us - Christians - as being people who hate others.