I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is inprobably biased toward the consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance being observed. And who am I, living in the middle of history, to tell the universe that it-or my observation of it-is temporary?

He really was beautiful. I know boys aren’t supposed to be, but he was.

One of the pitfalls about writing about illness is that it is very easy to imagine people with cancer as either these wise-beyond-their-years creatures or these sad-eyed tragic people. And the truth is, people living with cancer are very much like people who are not living with cancer. They're every bit as funny and complex and diverse as anyone else.

I didn't want to look at them, so I looked away, and to look away was to look at Augustus.

I'm in love with you, and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things.

If drunk were cookies, I'd be Famous Amos

I came here looking for a Great Perhaps, for real friends and a more-than-minor life.