One of the reasons that metaphor and symbolism are important in books is because they are also important to life. Like, for example say you're in high school and you're a boy and you say to a girl: "Do you like anyone right now?" - that's not the question you're asking. The question you're asking is, "do you like me right now."
John GreenCrying adds something: crying is you, plus tears. But the feeling Colin had was some horrible opposite of crying. It was you, minus something. He kept thinking about one word - forever - and felt the burning ache just beneath his rib cage.
John GreenHey Pudge," the Colonel said. "What do you think of a truce?" "It reminds me of when the Germans demanded that the U.S. surrender at the Battle of the Bulge," I said. "I guess I'd say to this truce offer what General McAuliffe said to that one: Nuts.
John GreenโI thought we were in a church basement, but we are literally in the heart of Jesus.โ โSomeone should tell Jesus,โ I said. โI mean, it's gotta be dangerous, storing children with cancer in your heart.โ โI would tell Him myself.โ Augustus said, โbut unfortunately I am literally stuck inside of His heart, so He won't be able to hear me.โ
John Green