This kind of thing always amazed Ginny--people who just walked away from institutions. People who left school when they didn't see the point. Aunt Peg had done that. Ginny knew she never would. That either made her someone who worked hard and finished things, or someone who didn't have the guts to break away from the pack. Maybe both.

I like you because you were mad. And you're pretty. And pretty sane for a mad person.

Why are Americans so fascinated by Ireland?" Keith asked... "you all think you're Irish. What's the appeal? Do you like the accent more? Is it all the magical rocks? Oh, look, a lep­rechaun.

Tired, but not the kind of tired that sleep fixes.

People always say they can't do things, that they're impossible. They just haven't been creative enough.

Proximity doesn't breed familiarity.

It was clearly one of those mornings when I was particularly American.