I am learning how to be angry and sad and lonely and joyful and excited and afraid and happy.

Too much sun after a Syracuse winter does strange things to your head, makes you feel strong, even if you aren't.

I am locked into the mirror and there is no door out.

I am getting better at smiling when people expect it.

We swore sacred oaths to be strong and to save the planet and to be friends forever.

None of [the books are] worth reading. There are no fairy tales, no faerie tails, no sword-swinging princesses or lightning-throwing gods.

This is not our fight', the old man said. 'British or American, that is not the choice. You must choose your own side, find your road through the valley of darkness that will lead you to the river Jordan. . . Look hard for your river Jordan, my child. You'll find it.