Books are love letters (or apologies) passed between us, adding a layer of conversation beyond our spoken words.

I realized that every lesson, conference, response, and assignment I taught must lead students away from me and toward their autonomy as literate people.

The purpose of school should not be to prepare students for more school. We should be seeking to have fully engaged students now.

The uninitiated might say that I am lost in my books, but I know I am more found than lost.

Peace of mind comes when we exercise our right to be honest, especially with ourselves.

Following religious principles because you fear the consequences isn't faith…. It’s superstition.

The Captain, so close as he was, didn’t warrant their attention. Even a fly on a horse’s hindquarters gets a tail whip. And that is the thick of it. We are less than flies to these foul foes.

Have confidence in the inventions and transformations of chance.

A lady of fashion will sooner excuse a freedom flowing from admiration than a slight resulting from indifference.

I try to make myself walk around a bit, but I probably think about it more than I actually do it. Years ago, I did think about joining a gym.

The Mollusks—generous hosts when they weren’t trying to kill you.

I feel good when I stir something with a spurtle, but I don't make porridge very much in London.

I can think of nothing worse than a think-tank where everybody agreed.

He is not sweet or gentle or particularly kind. But he is smart and brave, and even though he saved me, he treated me like I was strong. That is all I need to know.