"She runs, she shovels snow, she caulks the tub and sink. She plays word games with Wilder and reads erotic classics aloud in bed at night. What do I do? I twirl the garbage bag and twist-tie them, swim laps in the college pool. When I go walking, joggers come up soundlessly behind me, appearing at my side, making me jump in idiotic fright. Babette talks to dogs and cats. I see colored spots out of the corner of my right eye." Chapter 4, p.15

"She seemed to think that if kids watched television one night a week with parents and stepparents, the effect would be to de-glamorize the medium in their eyes, make it wholesome domestic sport." Chapter 4, p.16

"Love helps us develop an identity secure enough to allow itself to be placed in another's care and protection." Chapter 7, p. 29

"He gaped at me and gestured, he croaked...