In one universe, they are gorgeous, straight-teethed, long-legged, wrapped in designer fashions, and given sports cars on their sixteenth birthdays. Teacher smile at them and grade them on the curve. They know the first names of the staff. They are the Pride of the Trojans. Oops โ I mean Pride of the Blue Devils. In Universe #2, they throw parties wild enough to attract college students. They worship the stink of Eau de Jocque. They rent beach houses in Cancรบn during Spring Break and get group-rate abortions before prom.
Laurie Halse AndersonI breathe in slowly. Food is life. I exhale, take another breath. Food is life.
Laurie Halse AndersonSome adults would rather pretend that bad things dont exist than to talk about them.
Laurie Halse AndersonPuke and starve and cut and drink because you don't want to feel any of this. Puke and starve and cut and drink because you need an anesthetic and it works. For awhile. But then the anesthetic turns into poison and by then it's to late because you are maintaining it now,straight into your soul. It is rotting you and you can't stop.
Laurie Halse AndersonIt is my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache.
Laurie Halse AndersonYou can tell a book is real when your heart beats faster. Real books make you sweat. Cry, if no one is looking. Real books help you make sense of your crazy life. Real books tell it true, don't hold back and make you stronger. But most of all, real books give you hope. Because it's not always going to be like this and books-the good ones, the ones-show you how to make it better. Now.
Laurie Halse Anderson