...but with the hours I sometimes kept at the coffeehouse I had to have learned to take naps during the day or die, and I had learned to take naps. Up until five months ago "something or other or die" had always seemed like a plain choice in favor of the something or other.

it goes something like 'There are a lot of ways to be yourself.

[Gonturan] is a true friend, but a friend with thoughts of her own, and the thoughts of others are dangerous.

I advise those who want to become writers to study veterinary medicine, which is easier. You don't want to be a writer unless you have no choice - and if you have no choice, good luck to you.

If you try to breathe water, you will not turn into a fish, you will drown; but water is still good to drink.

I said: "He cannot be so bad if he loves roses so much." "But he is a Beast," said Father helplessly. I saw that he was weakening, and wishing only to comfort him I said, "Cannot a Beast be tamed?"

Tell me who you are. You need not tell me your name. Names have power, even human ones. Tell me where you live and what you do with your living.