"In Shell's mind, Jesus got off the cross and walked off to the nearest bar. Mam's face scrunched up, like a baby's that's about to cry. Then she died. Jesus drained off his glass of beer and went clear out of Shell's life" (Chapter 1, p. 5).

"If anger and love went together, like Father Rose had said, it must mean that she loved her dad" (Chapter 2, p. 12).

"Shell...prayer doesn't have to be painful. Trust me" (Chapter 3, p. 22).

"She thought of all the times she'd slapped Jimmy, feeling a rage with him that she didn't understand. Dear Jesus, forgive me for my lack of loving" (Chapter 12, p. 69).

"He collects for the poor and that's who he is. There's nothing wrong with begging, Gabriel. Beggars have always been close to God. Talent's just a beggar of the prouder kind. Good luck to him" (Chapter 13, p. 75).

"When Jesus dies, she thought...