The Book Maven

“It is not difficult to stand above the conventions when we leave no hostages among them; men can always be more unconventional than women, and a bachelor of independent means need encounter no difficulties at all.”
― E.M. Forster, Howards End

“And it’s a shame that the measure is what is not so bad [in relationships and partners] instead of what is thriving and good […] I have had good relationships, but it’s hard to trust that because what I consider good doesn’t always feel very good at all.”
― Roxane Gay, Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body

“Difficult moments that started with defeat and frustrations can become our most cherished souvenirs because, looking back, they were the seeds for success and have transformed into our most amusing and meaningful anecdotes.”
― Diane Von Furstenberg

“I had (and have?) this void, this cavern of loneliness inside me that I have spent my whole life trying to fill. I was willing to do most anything if that boy would ease my loneliness, I wanted to feel like he and I belonged to each other, but each time we were together and then after, I felt quite the opposite. And still, I was drawn to him.”
― Roxane Gay, Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body