When I won my way to the international science fair, I didn't want to embarrass myself. It was the first time I was going to be away from home, the first time taking an airplane. I went to the local library, checked out every single etiquette book, and I read those books like I was uncovering some sort of treasure.

Charles M. Blow

Airplane Away Book Books Checked Embarrass Etiquette Every Fair First First Time Going Home International Library Like Local Myself Out Read Science Single Some Sort Taking Those Time Treasure Want Way Won

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The first memory I have in the world is of death and tears. That is how I would mark the beginning of my life: the way people mark the end of one. My family had gathered at Papa Joe's house because Mam' Grace was slipping away, only I didn't register it that way. For some reason I thought that it was her birthday.

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That's a first line many have heard, whether or not they've read the book.

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