There is no life after death, so offer kindness to all, not in the next life but now

If you ever meet anyone who tells you his or her religion can offer all the answers, run for the hills. Or at least hide your wallet.

I cannot imagine a truly beautiful world without courtesy being integral to its culture.

Some of Bay's fondest memories were of lying under the apple tree in the summer while Claire gardened and the apple tree tossed apples at her like a dog trying to coax its owner into playing catch.

If you have any image of what the Truth is, slay it immediately because that's not it.

There is something fearfully strengthening about cutting free even if the ties bandage the heart itself.

I have no plans for a future Jemima Shore mystery, but would write one tomorrow if a good idea came to me.

Tourism is the march of stupidity.

Faith, joy, optimism. But not the folly of closing your eyes to reality.

Genius has no age, no country, no race; it belongs to mankind.

... the whole tenour of female education ... tends to render the best disposed romantic and inconstant; and the remainder vain and mean.

There are certain things that cannot be adequately explained to a virgin either by words or pictures.