As the possibility of a relationship had faded, Emma had endeavored to harden herself to Dexter's indifference and these days a remark like this caused no more pain than, say, a tennis ball thrown sharply at the back of her head.

Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it

The problem with all these fiercely individualistic girls was that they were all exactly the same.

Read a book at the right age and it will stay with you for life.

She had reached a turning point. She no longer believed that a situation could be made better by writing a poem about it.

I had always been led to believe that ageing was a slow and gradual process, the creep of a glacier. Now I realise that it happens in a rush, like snow falling off a roof.

I think probably I'm quite sentimental; I like big emotional stories, I like being moved by things, but I think I'm very embarrassed by sentiment. I'm very embarrassed by corniness.