Husbands lie, Masha. I should know; I've eaten my share. That's lesson one. Lesson number two: among the topics about which a husband is most likely to lie are money, drink, black eyes, political affiliation, and women who squatted on his lap before and after your sweet self.

A library is never complete. That’s the joy of it. We are always seeking one more book to add to our collection.

That’s what a map is, you know. Just a memory.

All jobs are odd, or they would be games or naps or picnics.

All things are strange which are worth knowing.

Children make prayers so thoughtlessly, building them up like sand castles—and they are always surprised when suddenly the castle becomes real, and the iron gate grinds shut.

You will always fall in love, and it will always be like having your throat cut, just that fast.