Too often we cut away essential elements of ourselves to fit into a mold and discover those elements were vital to who we are, and our improvements have only made us more ordinary.

Every girl is bon with the ability to be herself. Many simply unlearn it because they do not like who that is, and they think no one else will either.

I admit I'm an escapist when it comes to books. I become drunk on story, on words, as a buffer against reality.' . . . If books were alcohol, he'd be the worst drunk in history.

How was one to answer these meaningless questions, really? 'A fine day today, is it not, sir? How was your walk? I trust you are in good health this morning.' He should tell them the day was terrible, he had witnessed a murder, and he'd walked to the moon, just to see what they would do.

Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Don’t quit, and don’t give up. The reward is just around the corner. And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still, small voice. Know that God has been there from the beginning—and he will be there until . . . The End.