Elizabeth

“In fact I had no such interest, but I knew it was wrong to do things just because other people did. Other people couldn't be the reason why you did anything.”
― Elif Batuman, The Idiot

“The only painter I admire is God. He’s my biggest influence.”
― Denis Johnson, The Largesse of the Sea Maiden

“I wonder if you’re like me, if you collect and squirrel away in your soul certain odd moments when the Mystery winks at you, when you walk in your bathrobe and tasselled loafers, for instance, well out of your neighborhood and among a lot of closed shops, and you approach your very faint reflection in a window with words above it. The sign said “Sky and Celery.” Closer, it read “Ski and Cyclery.”
― Denis Johnson, The Largesse of the Sea Maiden

“Tom Ellis was the last new person he’d meet, in other words, who wasn’t about to kill him.”
― Denis Johnson, The Largesse of the Sea Maiden