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

But why Alaska?' I asked her. 'Well, later, I found out what it means. It's from an Aleut word, Alyeska. It means 'that which the sea breaks against,' and I love that. But at the time, I just saw Alaska up there. And it was big, just like I wanted to be.

I don't think you're dying," I said. "I think you've just got a touch of cancer. He smiled. Gallows humor.

I hated being careful, too - or wanted to, at least.

I worked hard to meet his eyes, even though they were the kind of pretty that's hard to look at.

That's why people grow weary of listening to Dumpees obsess over their troubles: getting dumped is predictable, repetitive, and boring. They want to stay friends; they feel smothered; it's always them and it's never you; and afterward, you're devastated and their relieved; it's over for them and just starting for you.

When we read the right book generously, it can change the way think about the world around us.