Reading with an eye towards metaphor allows us to become the person weโre reading about, while reading about them. Thatโs why there is symbols in books and why your English teacher deserves your attention. Ultimately, it doesnโt matter if the author intended the symbol to be there because the job of reading is not to understand the authorโs intent. The job of reading is to use stories as a way into seeing other people as a we ourselves.
John GreenI could try to pretend that I didn't care anymore, but it could never be true again. You can't just make yourself matter, and then die, Alaska, because now, I am irretrievably different, and I'm sorry I let you go, yes, but you made the choice.
John GreenAnd I wondered if hurdlers ever thought, you know, 'This would go faster if we just got rid of the hurdles.
John GreenIt's just that most really good-looking people are stupid, so I exceed expectations.' 'Right, it's primarily his hotness,' I said. 'It can be sort of blinding,' he said. 'It actually did blind our friend Isaac,' I said. 'Terrible tragedy, that. But can I help my own deadly beauty?' 'You cannot.' 'It is my burden, this beautiful face.' 'Not to mention your body.' 'Seriously, don't even get me started on my hot bod. You don't want to see me naked, Dave. Seeing me naked actually took Hazel Grace's breath away,' he said, nodding toward the oxygen tank.
John Green