The only magic we have is what we make in ourselves, the muscles we build up on the inside, the sense of belief we create from nothing.

The worst thing in the world was the way I felt when I wanted us to be like the families in the books in the library, when I just wanted Daddy Glen to love me like the father in Robinson Crusoe. (209)

The only magic we have is what we make in ourselves, the muscles we build up on the inside, the sense of belief we create from nothing.

I tell my students you have an absolute right to write about people you know and love. You do. But the kicker is you have a responsibility to make the characters large enough that you will not have sinned against them.

I wanted her to to go on talking and understand without me saying anything. I wanted her to love me enough to leave him, to pack us up and take us away from him, to kill him if need be. (107)

I was born trash in a land where the people all believe themselves natural aristocrats.

I have a terrible memory.