She wondered if this was true of every parent: if, prior to having children, they all used to be someone else.

An apology with a defense built in isn't much of an apology

I didn't want to see her because it would make me feel better. I came because without her, it's hard to remember who I am.

After all, once you know that part of something exists, it stands to reason that the rest of it is somewhere out there, too.

The music we listen to may not define who we are. But it’s a damn good start.

if i have gained anything over these months, it is the knowledge there is no starting over - only living with the mistakes you've made. but then, caleb taught me long ago you can't build anything without some sort of foundation. maybe we learn to live our lives by understanding, firsthand, how not to live them.

May I ask you something?" I say. "Why do you read books, when you could be outside, living a million different adventures every day?" "Because you can always count on a book to stay the same. EVerything else changes when you least expect it," she replies, bitter. "Families split apart, and nothing's forever. In books, you always know what's coming next. There are no surprises.