Apparently textbooks were an endangered species here in Bixby, Oklahoma.

You all say you need us. Well, maybe you do, but not to help, with the millions of bubbly new minds about to be unleashed, with all the cities coming awake at last. Together, you're more than enough to change the world without us. So from now on, David and I are here to stand in your way. You see, freedom has a way of destroying things.

Apparently textbooks were an endangered species here in Bixby, Oklahoma.

The world rests upon a turtle, which itself stands on the back of an elephant!” Alek tried not to laugh. “Then what does the elephant stand on, madam?” “Don’t try to be clever, young man.” She narrowed her eyes. “It’s elephants all the way down!

Which was worse: a friend with brain damage, or one who despised you?

She carried a knife inside of herself now, one that was always cutting her. She could feel it every time she swallowed, every time her thoughts strayed from the splendor of the wild.

It's just the way things are." she shrugged. "It's no one's fault." "Or everyone's.