Absent parents aren't abusive per se. They're neglectful. They love in a very imperfect way. There are parents like that, and they do love their daughters and sons, but they're not parents in the way that we might think of… — Benjamin Alire Saenz Copy Share Image
Young men and women come of age when they look at their parents and see them not only as their parents but as people. They gain a lot of compassion, and it's easier to accept their flaws. — Benjamin Alire Saenz Copy Share Image
“Breakfast seemed to be a good time for throwing your emotions around. Jodie said that at this place emotions were like Frisbees – people… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
“I decided that maybe we left each other alone too much. Leaving each other alone was killing us.” — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
Why do we smile? Why do we laugh? Why do we feel alone? Why are we sad and confused? Why do we read poetry?… — Benjamin Alire Saenz Copy Share Image
“See, I think there are roads that lead us to each other. But in my family, there were no roads - just underground tunnels.… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
“That was the first time I did coke. My body, it was electric. For the first time in my life I felt as if… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
“Did the thought ever occur to you that I might care about you? People are allowed to care about each other." "You don't know… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
“Words exist only in theory. And then one ordinary day you run into a word that exists only in theory. And you meet it… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
“I don't like remembering. Remembering makes me feel things. I don't like to feel things. I'm thinking I could spend the rest of my… — Benjamin Alire Saenz Copy Share Image
“In the distance, I can see a storm coming in, the dark clouds and the lightning on the horizon moving towards me. I wait… — Benjamin Alire Sáenz Copy Share Image
