"A thin rim of orange-red, so deep and strong my heart almost breaks with the fierceness of that color. Moment by moment, there is more of it to see—so hot and bright, I cannot look but at the edges." (Chapter 1, page 3)

"No eating in any room but the kitchen. The dining room was for show. And the rule was no butts on the bed once the bed was made up." (Chapter 4, page 18)

"That sad feeling I have hardens into a mad feeling and I don't think I'll ever get down off this roof. I'll stay here till kingdom comes." (Chapter 5, page 28)

"Mom told us a story of Baby wanting to see some angels about some terribly important matter. She told how the angels let Baby come to them, but then they loved her so much they couldn't bear to send her back." (Chapter 7, page 43)

"You're not...