I want people to come away from my book with questions. Questions about virtue and goodness. Not answers.

What thought or message would you put in a fortune cookie? "Stop reading this. Eat the cookie and live your life.

I like to think I'm helping them by hating them. I'm reminding them that they aren't God's gift to humankind.

I look older. Maybe it's the short hair or maybe it's just that I wear all that has happened like a mask. Either way, I always thought I would be happy when I stopped looking like a child. But all I feel is a lump in my throat. I am no longer the daughter my parents knew. They will never know me as I am now.

Sometimes drastic change requires drastic measures.

Politeness is deception in pretty packaging.

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.