But it had no doubt sprung from true emotion, for all that parents ever wanted, really, was for you to love their child the way they did.

Being a teacher at a restaurant in the town where you lived was a little like being a TV star.

While it's true that some writers, when taking on love and war, find the task too big, or only succeed in one but not the other, Mengestu tracks both themes with authority and feeling.

Good writing is good writing, and I'm so happy when I read it.

You had only one chance for a signature in life, but most people left no impression.

The child who was happy with herself meant the parents had won the jackpot.

For me, a novel relying too heavily on a single idea might be a dry, deadly thing unless it possesses an animating force.

People like to warn you that by the time you reach the middle of your life, passion will begin to feel like a meal eaten long ago, which you remember with great tenderness.

After a certain age, you felt a need not to be alone. It grew stronger, like a radio frequency, until finally it was so powerful that you were forced to do something about it.

Wasn't the whole point of being an artist, or at least part of it, that you didn't have to wear a tie?

The generation that had information, but no context. Butter, but no bread. Craving, but no longing.

People haven't always been there for me but music always has.

I can and will improve the world.I will smile, show kindness, and be grateful.I refuse to be unhappy.

Nothing risqué

Sheer effort enables those with nothing to surpass those with privilege and position.

And without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load.

I don't know if Hillary [Clinton] was saying it in a sarcastic manner, but I'm very proud to have the endorsement of the NRA.

The flowers left thick at nightfall in the wood This Eastertide call into mind the men, Now far from home, who, with their sweethearts, should Have gathered them and will do never again.

I think sometimes that people are like onions. On the outside smooth and whole and simple but inside ring upon ring, complex and deep.

A drug is a substance which, if injected into a rabbit, produces a paper.

Spend the years of learning squandering Courage for the years of wandering Through a world politely turning From the loutishness of learning.