But maybe a man was nothing but a man, which is what Baby Suggs always said. They encouraged you to put some of your weight in their hands and soon as you felt how light and lovely that was, they studied your scars and tribulations, after which they did what he had done: ran her children out and tore up the house. [...] A man ain't nothing but a man,' said Baby Suggs. 'But a son? Well now, that's somebody.

I tell my students one of the most important things they need to know is when they are at their best, creatively. They need to ask themselves, What does the ideal room look like? Is there music? Is there silence? Is there chaos outside or is there serenity outside? What do I need in order to release my imagination?

No gasp at a miracle that is truly miraculous because the magic lies in the fact that you knew it was there for you all along.

When a man angers you, he conquers you.

The screams of a hurt woman were indistinguishable from everyday traffic.

I don't think one parent can raise a child. I don't think two parents can raise a child. You really need the whole village.

It would be ten years before they saw each other again, and their meeting would be thick with birds.