To be honest, the only thing I ever really wanted to be was a writer - since I read 'Charlotte's Web' as a child.

To be silent. In hopes of not offending, in hopes of being accepted. But what happened to people who never spoke, never raised their voices? Kept everything inside? Gamache knew what happened. Everything they swallowed, every word, thought, feeling rattled around inside, hollowing the person out. And into that chasm they stuffed their words, their rage.

Things are strongest where they're broken.

Few things are better in the world than a room full of librarians. I consider them literary heroes. The keepers and defenders of the written word.

Peter swept aside Yogi Tea and Harmony Herbal Blend, though he hesitated a second over the chamomile. .... But no. Violent death demanded Earl Grey.

When someone stabs you it's not your fault that you feel pain.

Winning doesn't mean my book is better than anyone else's. It means I'm very fortunate. And I should be very, very aware of that. And grateful.