In the best stories, people are morally complex; they are flawed. We read them because the world is flawed, and we want to see it truthfully represented. And because it can be thrilling to be shocked and upset, and even to feel, for chilling moments, what it's like to be a bad person.

I'm shocked, upset and numb. I don't see how they could have overturned this. They kidnapped and killed my brother and that's that.

If people didn't read books on the subway, underground journeys would be dreary.

What I think I do well, ... is capture real moments with extraordinary people.

I used to think I was the strangest person in the world
but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do
I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too.
well, I hope that if you are out there you read this and know that yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.

We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!