"And books became the only breath in that foreign room he kept us in. The only soothing language known, and all the kindness of printed words just taught me to hate him more, and to pity him." Chapter 1, page 6

"'Indeed, the study of pressure and time, she said. 'But don't forget life, Jamie Bawn. Don't forget life. Ecosystems. For living is all that matters in the end.'" Chapter 1, page 28

"Our fathers were made for grief. I could see it now. And all our lives we waited for sadness to happen." Chapter 2, page 55

"The unplaceable sadness of belonging was suddenly mine on that station platform. I saw that I wasn't here for much. To do the right thing was all." Chapter 2, page 63

"Oh hell for them that couldn't show love without feeling loved themselves." Chapter 2, page 77

"But Hugh listened to John MacLean that day. He was yards away...