No one controls your destiny. Even at the very worst - there is always choice.

So let my hands and my face make their way in this world, let my hungry eyes see, my tongue taste.

A male usually had made up his mind before you began to talk to him -so why bother?- but a female, because her mind was more supple, was always prepared to become more disappointed in you than she had yet suspected possible.

I take responsibility only for the future, not the past. The past can't hurt you the way the future can.

Not an ugly color, Nanny thought. Just not a human color.

If you have an ancestor who is a Benedictine monk, we would rather not know it.

I shall pray for your soul,' promised Nessarose. I shall wait for your shoes,' Elphie answered.