We believe in shouting for those who can only whisper, in defending those who cannot defend themselves.

Do I look like I’ve been crying?’ I say. ‘Hmm.’ He leans in close, narrowing his eyes like he’s inspecting my face. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. Even closer, so we would be breathng the same air- if I could remember to breathe. ‘No, Tris,’ he says. A more serious look replaces his smile as he adds, ‘You look tough as nails.

It doesn't take skill to stand in a place were no bullets find you, or to fire into the dark and hit a man you didn't see.

I feel acutely aware of how young I am. In a way that is good. It's productive. It makes me realise that I should be growing as a writer and a person.

People are supossed to aspire to become their fathers, not shudder at the thought.

I started writing because I decided I was too old to play pretend in the backyard. Then I found that I could create those imaginary worlds on the page.

Politeness is deception in pretty packaging.