“The idea made Mahlia’s chest tighten. It was her own fantasy, the secret one she sometimes curled up to when she went to bed, knowing that it was stupid, but still wanting it, wanting it to somehow all make sense.” — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
“Her father would return from China. He’d come back with all his soldiers. He’d pick her up in his strong arms and say that he’d never meant to leave, that he hadn’t meant to sail away and leave her and… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
Pain held no terror for him. Pain was, if not friend, then family, something he had grown up with in his crèche, learning to… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
“At the time, he told his children to watch themselves, to understand that the tides of conservatism came and went and if they could not live as freely and openly as their parents had, well then, what of it? Didn't they have food in their bellies and family and friends whose company they enjoyed? And within their high-walled compounds, it… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share
“Doctor Mahfouz was always yammering on about how everyone had humanity in them. From Mahlia’s experience, the doctor was sliding high, but now, as… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
Politics is ugly. Never doubt what small men will do for great power. — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
“Believing is for Santa Claus, right? It's for Tooth Fairies. It's for your boyfriend when he says he's never met anyone like you and… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
Never beg for mercy. Accept that you have failed. Begging is for dogs and humans. — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
“Maybe it will die on its own, a hopeful voice whispered, but the general suppressed the thought. Wishes were for victims.” — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
I used to love reading, but since I've started writing, it's harder for me to immerse, because I spend so much time looking at… — Paolo Bacigalupi Copy Share Image
