"I opened my mouth to say: How about W for wish, or W for want, or W for 'Wouldn't it be loverly,' like the song the music teacher had taught us?"
First Picture, X, p. 1

"Ah, and the house in Branches. Steven's house. But that house was different. I'd never forget that one."
Chap. 1, p. 4

"If someone looks into your eyes, I read in a book one time, he'll see right into your soul. I didn't want anyone to see into my soul."
Chap. 1, p. 5

"Two months to do what I please and not have to worry about that kid getting into everything... No wonder she hasn't been adopted. She's a mountain of trouble, that Hollis Woods."
Second Picture, Steven, p. 13

"There are saltwater people, and freshwater people. Then there are some who don't even know enough to fall in love with the water. But they're not...