I will not go on, I thought. I won't. I will throw my soul to the wind and blow into a thousand pieces. I will wash up on a shore somewhere like bleached and broken driftwood. I will dry out in the sun until I-and any gift I ever had-shrivel into the sand.

Even the plants in Arizona wanted to hurt you.

That's the magic of books. They're never quite the same for any two people. When you read one, you automatically make it your own.

It's not like most people read anymore. Well, not unless the book has a wizard school or a hot vampire. And, as a Kari Kngsley expert, I'm absolutely certain your life has neither of those things.

The problem was that I'd never worn a bikini before. My dad doesn't allow them. He thinks even one-pieces show too much skin and constantly suggests that Jane and I wear wet suits.

Things that are easily done are often much harder to undo. Sometimes, impossible.

Wishes are powerful things. You can't expect them to change the world without changing you too.