“His dad had told him many times that the definition of a real man is one who cries without shame, reads poetry with his heart, feels opera in his soul, and does what’s necessary to defend a woman.”

“We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'if'.”

“Books are the mile markers of my life. Some people have family photos or home movies to record their past. I have books. Characters. For as long as I can remember, books have been my safe place.”

“But it is not bravery; I have no choice. I wake up and live my life. Don't you do the same?”