ASHLEY

“When they no longer had to see tombstones – those ghastly reminders of life’s brevity and God’s severity – European citizens were galvanized into action. Having pushed death out of their daily routines, they could focus on other things: composing arias, inventing the guillotine and then the steam locomotive, colonizing the rest of the world and carving up the Middle East … You could do all that and much more if only you could take your mind off the disturbing thought of being a mere mortal.”
― Elif Shafak, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

“He told her the six of clubs was the ace of diamonds. And she believed him. That was her habit, and every time he lied he slipped further away. Sabine woke up twisted in the sheets, the pillow deep inside her mouth. There would have been no reason to lie, not when she loved him the way she did.”
― Ann Patchett, The Magician's Assistant

“From my rotting body flowers shall grow, and I am in them and that is eternity.’ Isn’t that beautiful?”
― Ruta Sepetys, Between Shades of Gray

“I can’t imagine.” It didn’t mean that PJ wasn’t capable of imagining it—it really meant I recognize that you have had an incredibly difficult time. I recognize that you had to dredge up more strength than you knew you had, and I am impressed that you are still standing. I don’t think I would be if that happened to me, but look at you, standing! On two feet!”
― Annie Hartnett, The Road to Tender Hearts