We live in a dark time. Books are as dark as what is available to teenagers through the media every day.

I distrust any advice that contains the words 'ought' or 'should'.

Libraries are places where the damaged go to find friends

Well, laddie, if you've let an old buzzard like me hurt you confidence, you couldn't have had much in the first place.

Publishers have realized that, unlike the previous time period, American teenagers are both smarter and require more topical material than they had been giving them before that. For one thing, they'll read thicker books. Besides, has anybody looked at the news or read the newspapers recently?

I imbue this place with my essence, every stone and every drop. My visit will do wonders for the flowers." Aly propped her chin on her hand. "So does manure," she observed.

If we just allowed women and men more leeway in our culture and more acceptance, I think they would be able to make better compromises.