Cory Matney

“Soon after he purchased me, Epps asked me if I could write and read, and on being informed that I had received some instruction in those branches of education, he assured me, with emphasis, if he ever caught me with a book, or with pen and ink, he would give me a hundred lashes.”
― Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave

“How could I live without dancing?”
― Maria Nhambu, America's Daughter

“I collapse in bed and fall asleep with me other hand clasped around the blue rubber band. And I dream about blue eyes and blue nails and first-kiss lips dusted with blue sugar crystals.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Lola and the Boy Next Door

“Domenico!” Father Guglielmo said. “I remind you again that the late monsignor’s sins and his salvation are between God and him. Your brother’s, too. To wish damnation on one and assign damnation to the other is to presume yourself capable of doing God’s work for Him. Humble yourself, man! Pray for humility. If you seek absolution, you must put yourself in a state of grace.”
― Wally Lamb, I Know This Much Is True