Know that in this world there's somebody who will always love you.

In my mind what novels do best is that they immerse us deeply into our character's world - they truly transport us deep into these spaces - but the same way you know a Hollywood movie won't end after thirty minutes, you carry in yourself the implicit contract that the novel won't throw you out of itself 'til the very end. That bulk of pages is a form of consolation, of security.

That’s life for you. All the happiness you gather to yourself, it will sweep away like it’s nothing. If you ask me I don’t think there are any such things as curses. I think there is only life. That’s enough.

Know that in this world there's somebody who will always love you.

We can speculate. Last time I checked, the future doesn't take my advice.

Shot at twenty-seven times - what a Dominican number.

Of course we all know that's not how life works. The novel that is our life can end at any time. Sometimes even on page one.