I couldn’t even tell if I had any sadness of my own, because I was so full of Abuelita’s sadness.

I have come to believe that in order to thrive, a child must have at least one adult in her life who shows her unconditional love, respect, and confidence.

I was fifteen years old when I understood how it is that things break down: people can't imagine someone else's point of view.

Dressing badly has been a refuge much of my life, a way of compelling others to engage with my mind, not my physical presence. Page. 283

I would warn any minority student today against the temptations of self-segregation: take support and comfort from your own group as you can, but don’t hide within it.

In my experience when a friend unloaded about a boyfriend or spouse, the listener soaked up the complaint and remembered it long after the speaker had forgiven the offense.

[T]he more critical lesson I learned that day is still one too many kids never figure out: don't be shy about making a teacher of any willing party who knows what he or she is doing.

... a surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence. Page 115

I accepted what the Sisters taught in religion class: that God is loving, merciful, charitable, forgiving. That message didn't jibe with adults smacking kids.

Many of the gaps in my knowledge and understanding were simply limits of class and cultural background, not lack of aptitude or application as I feared. Page 135

I've always believed phone calls from kids must be allowed if mothers are to feel welcome in the workplace, as anyone who has worked in my chambers can attest.

A thinker sees his own actions as experiments and questions--as attempts to find out something. Success and failure are for him answers above all.

All the things of the wild have their proper uses. Only misuse makes them evil.

It's so embarrassing to receive an award for doing what you should be doing.

My husband says it is very good that I have very tiny feet, because they're easier to get in my mouth.

Everything stinks until it's finished.

Here's to our wives and girlfriends...may they never meet!

Thought is only a flash between two long nights, but this flash is everything.

I want to do something different, really different, and if it alienates people that's too bad.

My attitude of love must not be sacrificed on the altar of activity.

My album will manifest many things I saw,did or heard about; I talk first hand never word of mouth.