If I could have anything I wanted, I would choose story without end, and it seems I have lots of company in that.

I am a grown woman-- mostly-- and I can guzzle champagne with whomever I choose.

We clung to books and to our friends; they reminded us that we had another part to us.

It suddenly struck me that Dawsey is a lonesome person. I think it may be that he has always been lonely, but he didn't mind before, and now he minds.

You know how I love talking about books, and you know how I adore receiving compliments.

If I could have anything I wanted, I would choose story without end, and it seems I have lots of company in that.

Then he felt remorseful, which was so unlike him and endearing that I almost changed my mind and said yes. But then I imagined a lifetime of having to cry to get him to be kind, and I went back to no again.