Mollie

“The will to live so much stronger than anyone imagines. Like a kind of death, what happened. A kind of death you survive out of politeness, respect for others, out of selfless love. Christ also survived his own death. And was dignified and exalted.”
― Sally Rooney, Intermezzo

“Is the word 'passionate', or is it not, basically an obscene item of vocabulary? No, it isn't. But is it like a small bandage placed over an item of vocabulary that is in fact obscene? Maybe, yes. A word with blood running through it, a red word. In casual conversation it's better to use words that are grey or beige. Where did it come from then, this word 'passionate'? She knows where. From that so firmly suppressed feeling, present all along, that when he looks at her, when he speaks to her, he is addressing not only the superficial but also the deep concealed parts of her personality — without meaning to, without knowing how not to.”
― Sally Rooney, Intermezzo

“What, normal? Of course you are. I mean in terms of social skills. Ivan can't talk to people, literally.
By which you mean, he can't talk to you.”
― Sally Rooney, Intermezzo

“Put on your little beanie cap and don't release the potato.'
Bart Mannis laughed so hard he almost ran them off the highway. But the meaning was clear, wasn't it? Hold on tight and keep going. Just keep going. Like any good creature of the tides.”
― Richard Powers, Playground