Hooked Quotes

“Sure, it did feel a bit odd to be referred to as a ‘girl’ at her age, but given that people in their sixties still referred to all-female meet-ups as ‘girls’ get-togethers’, maybe it was okay.”
― Polly Barton, Hooked

“She knew that neither she nor Eriko were young, per se— but when women were together, weren’t they always girls, whatever their age?”
― Polly Barton, Hooked

“As her eyes ran over the lines of text, she took a bite of the melon bun, which was nearly as large as her face. The thick cookie dough encrusting its surface broke open with a crunch, and out spilled the aroma of butter and brown sugar, and the unmistakable taste of melon. Yes, it was exactly like she'd described. The combination of saltiness and sweetness wasn't bad, but the overall flavor was hardly sophisticated. Savoring it alongside the words flowing down the screen, though, its deliciousness seemed to percolate through her body.

The idea of combining karintō and the trusty melon bun is, of course, totally stupid. Honestly, I burst out laughing when I saw it there in the convenience store. But here's the thing: when you bite into that greasy, crunchy coating with its hint of soy sauce not unlike mitarashi dumplings, it's like emerging from a tunnel into the light, with the bright, fresh green flavor of melon fanning out all around you. I have to report that I'm now totally addicted. A stupid taste. A stupid price. But you know what, getting by on 'stupid food' actually makes things very easy. It's kind of soothing to feel like you've found a way to cheat at life.”
― Polly Barton, Hooked