All my life I wanted somebody who knew more than I did to tell me the truth.

Things are rough all over.

...but I've never regretted it. You can't regret experience.

That's why people don't ever think to blame the Socs and are always ready to jump on us. We look hoody and they look decent. It could be just the other way around - half of the hoods I know are pretty decent guys underneath all that grease, and from what I've heard, a lot of Socs are just cold-blooded mean - but people usually go by looks.

All of a sudden it felt like people were peering over my shoulder, wondering what I would write next. I was blocked for four years.

nothing can wear you out like caring about people

Johnny almost grinned as he nodded. "Tuff enough," he managed, and by the way his eyes were glowing, I figured Southern gentlemen had nothing on Johnny Cade.