And in the background of Early’s story was her voice. Her soul. Her sadness and longing. Because when it’s raining, it’s always Billie Holiday. p. 81

But my mom shook her head at him and said to me, “Yes, you made your bed, but for heaven’s sakes, don’t just lie in it!

Maybe that was how I found comfort just then, even with him being so far away. By remembering the flavor of his words.

Eustasia Johannsen was ready. Anyone could see that. Everything about her ancient self gave evidence to it: Her skin, wrinkled and transparent… But mainly, it was her eyes. They were drawn into her face as...

As the ocean tugged me at my feet, i realized that Early Auden, that strangest of boys, had saved me from being swept away.

If there is such a thing as a universal–and I wasn’t ready to throw all of mine out the window–it’s that there is power in a story. And if someone pays you such a kindness...

What would you rather be, Jackie? Angry mad or crazy mad? I think I’d rather be crazy mad, because you can be crazy and still happy.

You’re right,” Early said. “Those are two different things.””What are?”, I asked, surprised that he thought I was right about ANYTHING.”Dying and sleeping. A person should be able to do one without the other sneaking...

When Headmaster Conrady pointed out the white clapboard chapel, I wondered whether there might be at least one structure with a softer name, like Church of the Good Shepherd or Chapel of the Non-Weapon-Bearing Angels....