Stories are in one way or another mirrors. We use them to explain to ourselves how the world works or how it doesn’t work. Like mirrors stories prepare us for the day to come. They distract us from the things in darkness.

Whatever's happening," she said, eventually, "it can all be sorted out." She saw the expression on my face then, worried. Scared even. And she said, "After pancakes.

Everything here is so weak, little girl. Everything breaks so easily. They want such simple things.

Notoriety wasn't as good as fame, but was heaps better than obscurity.

Books are defensive, not offensive (unless you're the puzzled adult trying to make the kid with the book interact).

I don't think you should ever insult people unintentionally: if you're doing it, you ought to mean it.

You get what anybody gets - you get a lifetime.