I decided that maybe we left each other alone too much. Leaving each other alone was killing us.

The summer sun was not meant for boys like me. Boys like me belonged to the rain.

Another secret of the universe: Sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning and thunder.

I wondered if my smile was as big as hers. Maybe as big. But not as beautiful.

Water was something he loved, something he respected. He understood its beauty and its dangers. He talked about swimming as if it were a way of life.

I bet you could sometimes find all the mysteries of the universe in someone's hand.

How could I have ever been ashamed of loving Dante Quintana?

The day he came home from the hospital, he cried. I held him. I thought he would never stop.I knew that a part of him would never be the same.They cracked more than his ribs.

You can’t expect to go both ways when you’re driving on a one-way street.

It started to rain and we just sat. Sat and watched the rain in silence.

Everyone was always becoming someone else.Sometimes, when you were older, you became someone younger. And me, I felt old. How can aguy who’s about to turn seventeen feel old?

you're going to love your way out of this.out of the hurt.out of the pain.you're going to love your way out of it and be free.

You will never be able to go to the east if you follow people who are on the way that leads to the west.

A country that publicly threatens to completely destroy another nation should not be surprised when a preemptive surprise attack occurs from that nation and their allies.

I can taste sunshine and hope on his tongue. I want this kiss, this taste, to last forever.

I'm not a Pollyanna sort of kumbaya type.

I never cheat unless you count the girls I cheat on

I can take criticisms but not compliments.

The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast.

Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life move forward.

No eulogy is due to him who simply does his duty and nothing more.