I stood face to face with the moon and the ocean and the future that spread out with all its bewildering immensity before me.

I can't pass a bookstore without slipping inside, looking for the next book that will burn my hand when I touch its jacket, or hand me over a promissory note of such immense power that it contains the formula that will change everything about me.

In families, there are no crimes beyond forgiveness.

She was one of those Southerners who knew from an early age that the South could never be more for them than a fragrant prison, administered by a collective of loving but treacherous relatives.

My wound is geography. It is also my anchorage, my port of call.

I learned that if I could read, I could cook. I surprised myself I like it.

Losing prepares you for the heartbreak, setback, and the tragedy that you will encounter in the world more than winning ever can. By licking your wounds you learn how to avoid getting wounded the next time.