“It has become something to her, that memory — something she can take out in dismal times and stare into like a crystal ball disclosing not presages but reminders. She holds it in her palm like a captured ladybug and… — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“Stories that pander to your every readerly desire and whim are like overly loyal dogs that live for the simple glow of your approval.… — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“In her own experience she's learned that happiness and sadness find their own level no matter what's biting you, mosquitoes or meatskins.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“Truth be told, the inward gaze is something she's not too fond of. But there are secrets that lurk in the mind, and she… — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“It don't matter, she says. It just comes from thinkin too much. That's why you can't slow down for long. You gotta keep your… — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“All of a sudden, there is no hurry. There will be time for everything. For the breezes that blow and for the rainwater drying in the gutters, for Maury to find a place of safety in the world, for Malcolm to come back from the dead and ask her about birds and jets. For the big things too, things like… — Alden Bell Copy Share
“You Griersons are a touchy bunch. One minute it's biscuits and model ships and the next minute it's outrage and horror.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“Some people, he says, they hide themselves away from the eyes of the world. They hunker down and shiver. They find four walls high enough to put between them and everything else. Those people, to them the world is a frightful place. See, you and me, we're different. When we are called on to move, we move. It don't matter… — Alden Bell Copy Share
“God is a slick god. Temple Knows. She knows because of all the crackerjack miracles still to be seen on this ruined globe.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“It never meant anything, Moses says. Not to the god above it and not to the earth below it. It never did. Not even when they first did it. But it’s the doin it that counts. It’s something. You draw imaginary lines. That’s what you do. The Vestal looks at him kindly, a smile on her lips that seems affectionate--even… — Alden Bell Copy Share
“You somehow make it outta here and track me down, you best come with a furious rage--because I got no use for your sympathy.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“There are some things she doesn't like to think about because thinking about them takes up every part of her mind and body.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
“The world, it treats you kind enough so long as you're not fightin against it.” — Alden Bell Copy Share Image
