I love a book that makes me ask questions about what I think or how I see the world or how I feel, so I hope that 'Goodbye, Stranger' is that kind of book for some people.

But every person has to learn to accept what has happened in the past. Without bitterness. Or there is no point in continuing with life.

If I'm afraid of someone on the street, I'll turn to him (it's always a boy) and say, "Excuse me, do you happen to know what time it is?" This is my way of saying to the person, "I see you as a friend, and there is no need to hurt me or take my stuff. Also, I don't even have a watch and I am probably not worth mugging." So far, it's worked like gangbusters... And I've discovered that most people I'm afraid of are actually very friendly.

Life is a million different dots making one gigantic picture. And maybe the big picture is nice, maybe it's amazing, but if you're standing with your face pressed up against a bunch of black dots, it's really hard to tell.

I don't know. I just feel stuck, like I'm afraid to take any steps, in case they're the wrong ones.

For me one of the most important things is not feeling like you have to protect yourself if you're with a real friend.

She's called the secretary, but as far as I can tell she basically runs the school.