She told me if I clean all the ashes out of the grate, then I’ll be able to help my sisters get ready for the bal.” “It’s Christmas, Dashiel. Can’t you give that atitude a rest?” “Merry Christmas, Dad. And thanks for the presents.” “What presents?” “I’m sorry—those were all from Mom, weren’t they?

I particularly loved the adjective bookish, which I found other people used about as often as ramrod or chum or teetotaler.

I've given him more mixed signals than a dyslexic Morse code operator.

The reward is in the risk.

Do you still Kill Gerbils?

I've always been sort of a closet sci-fi geek.

It's a total lie to say there's only one person you're going to be with for the rest of your life. If you're lucky - and if you try really hard - there will always be more than one.