passages from books I've thrifted

they don't have to be deep, or good, or funny. I just have to like them for some reason.

[thriftedbooks]

"[...]my sister knew the storm warnings, and she would always be out of range whenever my mother's temper flared—but it always caught me unawares. I would come to her for comforting, and her anger would break over me.

And other times there would be tenderness and holding-close like a warm bath, and hands stroking my hair and brow, and the words carved above the cathedral of my childhood:

He's like all the other children. He's a good boy."

- Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (pg 167-168)

[thriftedbooks]

"Some of the most beautiful parts of humanity are seen in strangers- as are some of the most vile."

- A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi (pg 180)

[thriftedbooks]

"So yes, you were born to die. But in between, you are meant to live."

- A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi (pg 3)

[thriftedbooks]

"Even dead, his mother looked peaceful and gracious. Tareq brought her delicate hand to his mouth, pressing it to his lips ever so gently. A kiss goodbye. A finality he didn't want to accept; no child ever does, no matter their age."

- A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi (pg 20-21)

[thriftedbooks]

"[...]the new method was more of a game than a struggle, he only had to keep on rocking and jerking himself along- he thought of how simple everything would be if he could get some help."

- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (pg 8)

[thriftedbooks]

"Everyone needs an entry-level position. Everyone needs to start somewhere, get that practical experience, and develop natural skills. Even if, like Abernathy's, the natural skill waiting to be developed is cruelty."

- MARTians by Blythe Woolston (pg 10)

[thriftedbooks]

"Abernathy knows the drill. He leans his forehead against the wall and puts his hands behind his back so his wrists can be zipcuffed together. Even though it is awkward for him, Abernathy flips the whole room the bird as he leaves. His heart isn't in it. He's just doing it because it would be impolite not to say good-bye."

- MARTians by Blythe Woolston (pg 6)