But I knew the truth and that's why I was so sad. Every moment before this one depends on this one. Everything in the history of the world can be proven wrong in one moment.

Is that growing old? Or is it something worse?

Books are for those without real lives, he thought. And they are no real replacement.

We live in a world made up more of story than stuff. We are creatures of memory more than reminders, of love more than likes.

Food for her is not food, it is terror, dignity, gratitude, vengeance, joyfulness, humiliation, religion, history, and, of course, love. As if the fruit she always offered us were picked from the destroyed brances of out family tree.

Oh,' she said. 'I have never seen a Jew before. Can I see his horns?

It's so hard to express yourself.' I understand this.' I want to express myself.' The same is true for me.' I'm looking for my voice.' It's in your mouth.' I want to do something I'm not ashamed of.' Something you are proud of, yes?' Not even. I just don't want to be ashamed.