The Last Library

A Beginning, a Muddle, and an End Quote II

2012-03-03T03:06:00.001-07:00

"What will you write?"
"That's my biggest worry. I'm afraid I've not had an exciting life."
"Then write about what you haven't done."
"Is that allowed?" asked Avon.
"You should know the number one rule about writing is: Write what you know. So if you know what you haven't done, write about that."

-A Beginning, a Muddle, and an End, Avi

Thirteen at Dinner Quote IV

2012-02-29T01:28:00.001-07:00

Japp wiped his forhead and looked the picture of misery. Poirot made sympathetic noises, somewhat suggestive of a hen laying an egg. With more insight into the English character, I poured out a stiff whisky and soda and placed it in front of the gloomy inspector. He brightened a little.
"Well," he said. "I don't mind if I do."

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie

(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

The Cold Within by James Patrick Kinney

2012-02-26T03:36:00.001-07:00

Six humans trapped by happenstance

In dark and bitter cold.

Each possessed a stick of wood,

Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
But the first one held hers back.
For, of the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.

The next one looked across the way
Saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich.

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood
A chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group
Did nought except for gain.
Giving just to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without...
They died from cold within.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Quote III

2012-02-23T04:54:00.001-07:00

"What's the point of him then?" said Martin.
"The point is that he is Edward," said Abilene.

-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo

Innocent Quote I

2012-02-20T02:30:00.002-07:00

Who you are is not where you've been.
You're still an innocent.

-Innocent by Taylor Swift

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Quote I

2012-02-17T04:14:00.002-07:00

Harry Potter: Why are you here, all of you?
Lily Potter: We never left.

-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, 2011

The Animal Family Quote I

2012-02-14T05:32:00.001-07:00

Say what you like, but such things do happen--not often, but they do happen.

-The Animal Family, Randall Jarrell

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Quote II

2012-02-11T01:54:00.001-07:00

"The end?" said Abilene indignantly. "Yes," said Pellegrina, "the end."
"But it can't be."
"Why can't it be?"
"Because it came too quickly. Because no one is living happily ever after, that's why."
"Ah, and so." Pellegrina nodded. She was quiet for a moment. "But answer me this: how can a story end happily if there is no love?"

-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow Quote I

2012-02-08T04:33:00.001-07:00

"Stop teasin' him," said the Prodigy. "You's just jealous."
"No I'm not. Writers are creative people."

-The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow, Kaye Umansky

Over Sea, Under Stone Quote I

2012-02-05T04:07:00.001-07:00

"Oh honestly, Jane," Simon said. "You can't find a treasure map and just say, 'Oh, how nice,' and put it back again."

-Over Sea, Under Stone, Susan Cooper

We Seek After These Things Quote I

2012-02-02T03:39:00.001-07:00

Our mighty God has given us
So much good to find.
There’s just no room for darkness in our lives.

-We Seek After These Things, Jenny Phillips

Thirteen at Dinner Quote III

2012-01-30T01:20:00.001-07:00

"Really, Poirot," I stammered, "I'm awfully glad. I suppose I've learnt a good deal from you one way or another-"
He shook his head. "Mais non, ce n'est pas ça. You have learnt nothing."
"Oh!" I said, rather taken aback.
"That is as it should be. No human being should learn from another. Each individual should develop his own powers to the uttermost, not try to imitate those of someone else. I do not wish you to be a second and inferior Poirot. I wish you to be the supreme Hastings. And you are the supreme Hastings."

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie

(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

The Brown Fairy Book Quote I

2012-01-27T14:04:00.002-07:00

'Did you not hear the song?' she asked, trembling.
'Suppose I did, how could that hurt me? It was the loveliest song I ever heard!'
'Yes, and after the song will come the apparation; and after that-after that--'
'I don't understand. Well-after that?'
'After that-death.'

-The Story of the Yara, The Brown Fairy Book, Andrew Lang

Inkdeath Quote III

2012-01-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

Without words she would die, she'd simply die, even faster than her mother had done.

-Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke

Princess Academy Quote I

2012-01-21T03:53:00.000-07:00

Look no farther than your hand
Make a choice and take a stand

-Princess Academy, Shannon Hale

Tunnels Quote I

2012-01-19T04:47:00.002-07:00

"YOU'RE GOOD FOR NOTHING, YOU PATHETIC FOSSIL! YOU CAN STAY DOWN THERE AND ROT FOR ALL I CARE, YOU STUPID OLD RELIC!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs as she slammed the living-room door with an almighty crash.
"That can't be good for the paintwork," Will said distantly.

-Tunnels, Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Change Quote I

2012-01-16T03:37:00.001-07:00

It's hard to fight when the fight ain't fair.

-Change by Taylor Swift

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Quote III

2012-01-13T02:24:00.001-07:00

And, oh, the cry of sea gulls! Have you heard it? Can you remember?

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Quote I

2012-01-10T01:52:00.001-07:00

"You must listen," said Pellegrina. "It is all in the story."

-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Kate DiCamillo

Inkdeath Quote II

2012-01-07T18:32:00.001-07:00

Was there any more wretched existence than the life of a writer who had run out of words?

-Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke

Spring Twilight by The Monk Nōin

2012-01-04T03:41:00.002-07:00

Spring Twilight
Gathers in the mountain village.
As I approach
The cherry petals scatter
At the boom of the evening
Temple Bell.

The Secret Garden Quote II

2012-01-01T03:38:00.001-07:00

"How still it is!" she whispered. "How still!" Then she waited a moment and listened to the stillness.

-The Secret Garden, Frances Hogsdon Burnett

If My Heart Was a House Quote I

2011-12-28T03:34:00.001-07:00

If my heart was a compass you'd be North.

-If My Heart Was a House by Owl City

Miracle on 34th Street Quote I

2011-12-25T01:43:00.001-07:00

Kris Kringle: Now, you've heard of the French nation and the British nation. Well, this is the Imagi-nation.

-Miracle on 34th Street, 1947

The Christmas Box Quote I

2011-12-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

(Previously posted at The Muddy Duck)

"This is not a trivial question," she added firmly. "Understanding the first gift of Christmas is important."
"I'm sure it is, Mary, but this is important right now."
"No," she snapped, "you don't know what is important right now." She turned abruptly and walked from the room.

-The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

Vladimir Nabakov Quote I

2011-12-23T03:55:00.001-07:00

A Girl Writing by Henriette Browne

The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.

-Vladimir Nabakov

Titanic: The Long Night Quote II

2011-12-20T04:09:00.001-07:00

"Me own heart was hurtin', not knowin' where you'd got to, not knowin' if you was safe." There, she'd said it. Let him do with it whatever he wanted. She watched as the look on his handsome face changed from confusion to disbelief, and back to confusion again.
His jaw dropped, and he asked, "What are you sayin'? Say it again, so I don't get it wrong."
"I love you, Paddy."

-Titanic: The Long Night, Diane Hoh

Henry David Thoreau Quote I

2011-12-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

The world is but a canvas to our imagination.

-Henry David Thoreau

Thirteen at Dinner Quote II

2011-12-15T01:16:00.002-07:00

"Poirot," I said, as he remained rapt in thought, "hadn't we better go on? Everyone is staring at us."
"Eh? Well, perhaps you are right. Though it does not incommode me that people should stare. It does not interfere in the least with my train of thought."
"People were beginning to laugh," I murmured.

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie
(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table Quote II

2011-12-12T02:54:00.000-07:00

'The mightier mine enemies be, the greater my honour if I conquer them,' said Sir Gareth.

-King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, Roger Lancelyn Green

The Better Part Quote I

2011-12-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

"Was Christ a man like us? Ah! let us try
If we then, too, can be such men as he!”

-The Better Part, Matthew Arnold

Aung San Suu Kyi Quote I

2011-12-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.

-Aung San Suu Kyi

Inkdeath Quote I

2011-12-03T04:25:00.001-07:00

Dustfinger's expression gave nothing away. He really didn't know yet! Ah, love. What a perfect tool of revenge. Even the fearless heart that Dustfinger had brought back from the dead was powerless against it. "You should really go to her. She's sobbing in the most heartrending way, tearing her beautiful hair." The look in his eyes! Got you, thought Orpheus. Got you both on the hook now, you and the Bluejay. "My black dog is guarding your daughter," he went on, and every word tasted as good as spiced wine. "I expect she's terribly afraid. But I've ordered my dog not to feast on her sweet flesh and soul...just yet." There--so fear could sting Dustfinger after all. His unscarred face turned pale. He stared at Orpheus's shadow, but the Night-Mare did not emerge from it. The Night-Mare was outside the cage where Brianna sat weeping and calling for her father.
"I'll kill you if it so much as touches her. I don't know much about killing, but for you I'd learn!"

-Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke

Inkspell Quote II

2011-12-01T01:09:00.001-07:00

And Meggie had realized that there was no return from death, even for creatures made of nothing but words.

-Inkspell, Cornelia Funke

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table Quote I

2011-11-28T02:47:00.001-07:00

'Damsel,' answered Beaumains politely, 'you may say to me what you wish, but never will I turn back. For I have promised King Arthur to undertake your adventure—and achieve it I will, or die in the attempt.'
'You'll achieve my adventure, will you!' jeered Linnet. 'Why, before long you will meet with such an adversary that you'll give all the broth in Camelot to be allowed to go back to your kitchen alive!'
'That we shall see,' answered Beaumains quietly, and they rode on in silence, the Lady Linnet a little way in front.

-King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, Roger Lancelyn Green

St. Augustine Quote II

2011-11-25T09:39:00.001-07:00

Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.

-St. Augustine

Les Misérables Quote III

2011-11-20T01:46:00.001-07:00

There is neither foreign war or civil war; there is only unjust war and just war.

-Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

Shen of the Sea Quote II

2011-11-17T01:46:00.001-07:00

The way is long. The way is steep. But hearts must be served.

-Shen of the Sea, Arthur Bowie Chrisman

Inkspell Quote I

2011-11-14T01:00:00.001-07:00

"Heroes end up on the gallows, Fenoglio," she continued, lowering her voice, and Meggie could hear the fear behind the mockery. "It may be different in your songs, but in real life princes hang them, and the finest of words don't change that."

-Inkspell, Cornelia Funke

Les Misérables Quote II

2011-11-11T01:11:00.001-07:00

No man had ever touched him but to bruise him.

-Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

Remember by Christina Georgina Rossetti

2011-11-08T03:55:00.003-07:00

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Confucius Quote I

2011-11-05T01:39:00.001-07:00

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge.

-Confucius

Lions! Quote I

2011-11-03T04:35:00.001-07:00

You don't have to feel safe
to feel unafraid.

-Lions! by Lights

Glory Road Quote II

2011-10-31T01:05:00.001-07:00

Willie Cager: They're trying to take our dignity away from us.

Don Haskins: Your dignity's inside you. Nobody can take something away from you you don't give them.

-Glory Road, 2006

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Quote II

2011-10-28T02:22:00.002-07:00

"But in general, take my advice, when you meet anything that's going to be Human and isn't yet, or used to be Human once and isn't now, or ought to be Human and isn't, you keep your eyes on it and feel for your hatchet."

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

Taran Wanderer Quote II

2011-10-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

"If I find what I seek, it will be more to me than gold."
"So?" Dorath bent close. "But what would such a treasure be, Lord? Jewels? Fine-fashioned ornaments?"
"Neither," Taran answered. He hesitated, then said, "I seek my parents."

-Taran Wanderer, Lloyd Alexander

Tony DiTerlizzi Quote I

2011-10-22T01:44:00.001-07:00

Never abandon imagination.

-Tony DiTerlizzi

Mattimeo Quote I

2011-10-20T01:31:00.002-07:00

"I will not stand here to be insulted by you, hedgepig," Mangiz fumed.
"Then stand somewhere else and I'll insult you there, featherbag!"

-Mattimeo, Brian Jacques

Aquamarine Quote I

2011-10-17T05:35:00.001-07:00

All last night he had dreamt of the ocean, and now it seemed to him that he might be dreaming still.

-Aquamarine, Alice Hoffman

Francis Bacon Quote I

2011-10-14T03:25:00.001-07:00

A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion.

-Francis Bacon

Inkheart Quote VIII

2011-10-11T04:51:00.001-07:00

Fear is not red. Fear is pale as a dead man's face.

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote V

2011-10-08T01:13:00.001-07:00

The Flame cats' work had only just begun. Their voices fell silent and they walked on, toward the three thirteens. There was a deadly purpose in their strong swift pacing. They had come to keep a child safe, to protect her against a stone troll, a wicked step-mother, and a spell-making brother.

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Steve Jobs Quote I

2011-10-06T09:28:00.001-07:00

Picture by Richard Davies

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.

-Steve Jobs

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote IV

2011-10-06T01:10:00.002-07:00

"Murder!" cried Mrs. Onimous. "Just because people are"--she glanced at Mrs. Pike's coarse, red-dish-colored hair--"outsiders, it's no excuse. Whatever we are, whoever we are, murder is murder."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Gypsy Rizka Quote III

2011-10-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

"And you," said Sharpnack, "you've been warned. If you're trifling with us, I'll make you wish you'd never been born."
"I'd never wish that," said Rizka.

-Gypsy Rizka, Lloyd Alexander

Inkheart Quote VII

2011-09-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

"Fire is a dangerous creature!" he had shouted at Farid. "Fire is not your friend. It will kill you if you don't respect it."

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Leviathan Quote II

2011-09-25T01:31:00.001-07:00

"They see us."
"Brilliant! Oh, and sorry about this." Deryn grabbed Alek's arm, drew her rigging knife, and pressed it against his throat.
"What are you-" he started, but the words choked off as cold metal touched his flesh.
"Don't struggle, you ninny!" she hissed. "Do you want your head cut off? I'm just making sure no one gets hurt."
"I fail to see your logic!" Alek growled at her, but he stopped struggling.

-Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld

The End of the Beginning Quote IV

2011-09-22T02:33:00.001-07:00

"Now do you know where you are?"
"Well," said Avon, "I have narrowed it down to two places."
"Where?"
"Here or there."
"Good," said Edward. "You've got to start somewhere."

-The End of the Beginning, Avi

Inkheart Quote VI

2011-09-19T05:20:00.001-07:00

Gold made of paper and printer's ink--and the sound of a human voice.

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Taran Wanderer Quote I

2011-09-16T03:59:00.001-07:00

"I share your sorrow," Taran said. Then, to console her, added, "But he died with honor. Your son is a hero..."
"My son is slain," the woman answered sharply.

-Taran Wanderer, Lloyd Alexander

My Kate by Elizabeth Barret Browning

2011-09-13T01:53:00.002-07:00

Portrait of a Young Lady by Francis Grant

She was not as pretty as women I know,
And yet all your best made of sunshine and snow
Drop to shade, melt to nought in the long-trodden ways,
While she's still remembered on warm and cold days--
My Kate.

Her air had a meaning, her movements a grace;
You turned from the fairest to gaze on her face;
And when you had once seen her forehead and mouth,
You saw as distinctly her soul and her truth--
My Kate.

Such a blue inner light from her eyelids outbroke,
You looked at her silence and fancied she spoke;
When she did, so peculiar yet soft was the tone,
Though the loudest spoke also, you heard her alone--
My Kate.

I doubt if she said to you much that could act
As a thought or suggestion; she did not attract
In the sense of the brilliant or wise; I infer
'Twas her thinking of others made you think of her--
My Kate.

She never found fault with you, never implied
Your wrong by her right; and yet men at her side
Grew nobler, girls purer, as through the whole town
The children were gladder that pulled at her gown--
My Kate

None knelt at her feet confessed lovers in thrall;
They knelt more to God than they used--that was all;
If you praised her as charming, some asked what you meant,
But the charm of her presence was felt when she went--
My Kate.

The weak and the gentle, the ribald and rude,
She took as she found them, and did them all good;
It always was so with her--see what you have!
She has made the grass greener even here with her grave--
My Kate.

My dear one! -- when thou wast alive with the rest,
I held thee the sweetest and loved thee the best:
And now thou art dead, shall I not take thy part
As thy smiles used to do for thyself, my sweet Heart --
My Kate.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Quote IV

2011-09-10T05:45:00.001-07:00

"Why?" they asked him.
"I want more," Wu Kang said.
"But we are so happy here all together," they said.
"It is not enough," Wu Kang said.

-Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

The Blind Side Quote II

2011-09-07T01:14:00.001-07:00

Michael Oher: But honor, that's the real reason for you either do something or you don't. It's who you are and maybe who you want to be. If you die trying for something important, then you have both honor and courage, and that's pretty good. I think that's what the writer was saying, that you should hope for courage and try for honor. And maybe even pray that the people telling you what to do have some, too.

-The Blind Side, 2009

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Quote I

2011-09-04T02:21:00.001-07:00

"Well, Sir, if things are real, they're there all the time."
"Are they?" said the Professor; and Peter did not know quite what to say.

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

The Murder at the Vicarage Quote II

2011-09-01T01:40:00.001-07:00

"I've bought two books on Household Management and one on Mother Love, and if that doesn't turn me out a pattern I don't know what will! They are all simply screamingly funny—not intentionally, you know. Especially the one about bringing up children."
"You haven't bought a book on How to Treat a Husband, have you?" I asked, with sudden apprehension as I drew her to me.
"I don't need to," said Griselda. "I'm a very good wife. I love you dearly. What more do you want?"
"Nothing," I said.
"Could you say, just for once, that you love me madly?"
"Griselda," I said—"I adore you! I worship you! I am wildly, hopelessly and quite unclerically crazy about you!"

-The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie

The Murder at the Vicarage Quote I

2011-08-29T01:34:00.002-07:00

"Your solution is a very plausible one, Miss Marple," he said. "But you will allow me to point out that there is not a shadow of proof."
"I know," said Miss Marple. "But you believe it to be true, don't you?"
There was a pause, then the colonel said almost reluctantly: "Yes, I do. Dash it all, it's the only way the thing could have happened. But there's no proof—not an atom."
Miss Marple coughed. "That is why I thought perhaps—under the circumstances—"
"Yes?"
"A little trap might be permissible."

-The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie

Crows and Cards Quote I

2011-08-26T01:32:00.001-07:00

"Let me just remind you of one little thing," Pa went on. "You're going to be living the rest of your life in the future, so you better get on speaking terms with it."

-Crows and Cards, Joseph Helgerson

Voltaire Quote I

2011-08-23T01:01:00.003-07:00

I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist without a clockmaker.

-Voltaire

The Mysterious Benedict Society Quote I

2011-08-20T01:32:00.002-07:00

"This is too creepy," Sticky said, glancing nervously behind him. "It's like...like..."
"Like having a strange person whisper in your ear while you sleep?" Mr. Benedict suggested.
"Okay, that just made it creepier," Sticky said.

-The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart

No Safe Harbor Quote I

2011-08-18T01:47:00.001-07:00

This morning I told him how Dad had rescued Mum from a castle tower and whisked her away to safety.
"So that's how it was," Haggarty said. "Sure beats what I've heard."
What did he mean by that? I asked him to tell me, several times I asked, even begged, but he wouldn't budge. "Can't tell you," he said, " 'cause it's not my story to tell."

-No Safe Harbor, Julie Lawson

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote III

2011-08-15T01:10:00.001-07:00

All at once Dagbert straightened up. He fixed Bragger with his aquamarine eyes and said, "My name is as endless as the ocean and I drown people."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Bud, Not Buddy Quote II

2011-08-12T01:30:00.002-07:00

I said, "Yes, ma'am, my spirit's a lot stronger than it looks, too, most folks are really surprised by that."
She smiled and said, "Very good, but you know what, Bud?"
"What, ma'am?"
"I knew you were an old toughie the minute I saw you."

-Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis

The Orange Fairy Book Quote I

2011-08-09T01:00:00.002-07:00

'How shall we divide them?' asked the lion in a whisper to the hyena.
'Oh, it is easily done,' replied the hyena. 'The lamb for me, the sheep for the jackal, and the ram for the lion.'
'So I am to have that lean creature, which is nothing but horns, am I?' cried the lion in a rage. 'I will teach you to divide things in that manner!' And he gave the hyena two great blows, which stretched him dead in a moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said: 'How would you divide them?'
'Quite differently from the hyena,' replied the jackal. 'You will breakfast off the lamb, you will dine off the sheep, and you will sup off the ram.'
'Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such wisdom?' exclaimed the lion, looking at him admiringly.
'The fate of the hyena,' answered the jackal, laughing, and running off at his best speed; for he saw two men armed with spears coming close behind the lion!

-The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son, The Orange Fairy Book, Andrew Lang

The Castle of Llyr Quote III

2011-08-06T01:57:00.002-07:00

"If you're thinking about torturing me," he said, "you're welcome to try it. It would be interesting to see how much you could find out, since I myself haven't the first idea where the Pelydryn is." He took a deep breath and shut his eyes tightly. "So there you are. Go ahead."

-The Castle of Llyr, Lloyd Alexander

Mariel of Redwall Quote I

2011-08-03T01:10:00.001-07:00

"Oi wants a'ventures."

-Mariel of Redwall, Brian Jacques

Inkheart Quote V

2011-07-31T01:18:00.001-07:00

"A world of so many pages, Silvertongue, so very many pages, and I want to write my name on every one of them."

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote II

2011-07-28T01:03:00.001-07:00

"It's a long way from the sea," he said in a surprisingly tuneful voice.
"You must learn to live without the sea for a while."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Simplicity by Jaana Olsen

2011-07-25T01:47:00.001-07:00

(Previously posted at The Muddy Duck)

The simple things

like rain in the spring
and blue sky,
baby laughs
and grown men who cry.
These are the things
that catch the eye.
So why
call them simple?

Le Corbusier Quote I

2011-07-22T01:16:00.001-07:00

I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies.

-Le Corbusier

The Blind Side Quote I

2011-07-19T01:13:00.002-07:00

Beth: You're changing that boy's life.
Leigh Anne Touhy: No. He's changing mine.

-The Blind Side, 2009

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote I

2011-07-16T01:54:00.002-07:00

Dagbert frowned. "It's hard to keep stories to yourself," he murmured.
Charlie almost felt sorry for him. "Well, you won't get away with it a second time. Matron's told you now, so you'll have to keep your stories bottled up."
"Yes, I will," Dagbert said pensively. "Imagine. Stories in a bottle." Not for the first time Charlie wondered what was going on in Dagbert's head.

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

The Castle of Llyr Quote II

2011-07-14T01:46:00.001-07:00

"It was no dream," Taran urged, "but the life you know; your own life, not a shadow that vanishes with the sun. Indeed, you went to the highest branch. It snapped, as I feared it would."
"How should anyone know someone else's dream?" said Eilonwy, as though speaking to herself. "Yes, it broke and I was falling. There was someone below who caught me. Could it have been an Assistant Pig-Keeper? I wonder what has become of him?"
"He is here now," Taran said quietly. "He has long sought you and in ways he himself didn't know. Now that he has found you, can you not find your path back to him?"

-The Castle of Llyr, Lloyd Alexander

Thirteen at Dinner Quote I

2011-07-11T01:44:00.002-07:00

"Nothing like a bond, is there, dear old fellow. You and I. You and I. Who the devil are you, by the way?"
"My name is Hastings."
"You don't say so. Now I could have sworn you were a chap called Spencer Jones. Dear old Spencer Jones. Met him at the Eton and Harrow and borrowed a fiver from him. What I say is one face is very like another face--that's what I say. If we were a lot of Chinese we wouldn't know each other apart."

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie
(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

Outcast of Redwall Quote I

2011-07-08T01:14:00.002-07:00

"Right y'are, Bella marm, y'know what I always say: 'Apples is ripe when they're ready,/ When pears is ripe they'll fall,/ What must happen will happen,/ Or it won't happen at all!'"

-Outcast of Redwall, Brian Jacques

The Immortals Quote I

2011-07-05T01:13:00.003-07:00

'Don't turn your back on me, lamplighter,' he said. 'Daddy's not here to look after his precious little boy any more-remember?'
'I remember,' muttered Nate, his eyes blazing. Beside him, the underbiters hurriedly finished their breakfast and, climbing from the bench, made themselves scarce.
Rudd placed his bowl down on the table and, stepping calmly forward, took Nate's from his trembling fingers and placed it down alongside his own.
'Maybe not, Thuggbutt," said Rudd coolly. "But I am."

-The Immortals, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

Watership Down Quote I

2011-07-02T01:37:00.001-07:00

"It's the place that worries you," said Hazel. "I don't like it myself, but it won't go on forever."

-Watership Down, Richard Adams

Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors Quote I

2011-06-30T01:01:00.002-07:00

"When I met Julia Ingledew, it was like finding a treasure-someone else who was fascinated by the past, who thought of nothing by spending a whole week pursuing one tiny, elusive fact in order to complete a puzzle. To me such a person is a jewel, Charlie, even if she were not the most congenial and lovely person I have ever met."
Charlie had never heard his uncle speak so passionately. "Are you going to marry her?" he asked.
Paton blinked and then said quietly, "I dare not even think about that."
"Why not? It seems like a good idea to me," he said bluntly.
Uncle Paton gave a delicate cough. "Our subject was the Castle of Mirrors, not the future of Paton Yewbeam," he said in a flat tone. "Are you interested in this book or not?

-Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors, Jenny Nimmo

The Hounds of the Mórrígan Quote II

2011-06-27T01:11:00.001-07:00

"I hev bin at death's door. Dat's where I bin," said Puddeneen.
"How'd you get dere?"

-The Hounds of the Mórrígan, Pat O'Shea

Camelot Quote I

2011-06-24T01:47:00.002-07:00

ARTHUR: (Disparagingly) Knights at a table...
GUENEVERE: (Correcting him) A round table.
ARTHUR: (Corrected) Round table. Might for right, a new order of chivalry, shining knights gallivanting around the countryside like angels in armor, sword-swinging apostles battling to snuff out evil! Why, it's naïve...it's adolescent...it's juvenile...it's infantile...it's folly...it's...it's...
GUENEVERE: It's marvelous.
ARTHUR: Yes, it is. It's marvelous. Absolutely marvelous.

-Camelot, Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe

The Bellmaker Quote III

2011-06-21T01:33:00.004-07:00

Blerun leaned on his lance and nodded. "I know; we have watched you since you camped there. Do you serve Urgan Nagru the Foxwolf?"
Before an otter could lift javelin, Finnbarr's twin swords had cleared thier sheaths. He went into a fighting crouch, his single eye glittering hotly. "No, matey, we've come t'battle with 'im, so if you're on the Foxwolf's side we'd best start the party right 'ere!"

-The Bellmaker, Brian Jacques

Swallows and Amazons Quote III

2011-06-18T01:19:00.001-07:00

Half the pleasure of visiting distant countries is sailing home afterwards.

-Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome

St. Augustine Quote I

2011-06-15T01:04:00.002-07:00

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.

-St. Augustine

The Little Prince Quote II

2011-06-12T01:53:00.002-07:00

It is such a secret place, the land of tears.

-The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Life by Charlotte Brontë

2011-06-09T01:26:00.001-07:00

Life, believe, is not a dream

So dark as sages say;

Oft a little morning rain

Foretells a pleasant day.

Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,

But these are transient all;

If the shower will make the roses bloom,

O why lament its fall?

Rapidly, merrily,

Life's sunny hours flit by,

Gratefully, cheerily

Enjoy them as they fly!

What though Death at times steps in,

And calls our Best away?

What though sorrow seems to win,

O'er hope, a heavy sway?

Yet Hope again elastic springs,

Unconquered, though she fell;

Still buoyant are her golden wings,

Still strong to bear us well.

Manfully, fearlessly,

The day of trial bear,

For gloriously, victoriously,

Can courage quell despair!

Prince Caspian Quote I

2011-06-06T02:26:00.001-07:00

If you had been there you would have heard them saying things like, "Oh look! Our coronation rings - do you remember first wearing this? - Why, this is the little brooch we all thought was lost - I say, isn't that the armour you wore in the great tournament in the Lone Islands? - do you remember the dwarf making that for me? - do you remember drinking out of that horn? - do you remember, do you remember?"

-Prince Caspian, C. S. Lewis

Secretariat Quote I

2011-06-03T01:27:00.001-07:00

Ogden Phipps: You're that stubborn?
Penny Chenery: I'm that right.

-Secretariat, 2010

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy Quote III

2011-05-31T01:53:00.001-07:00

"There's obviously a sorcerer on the loose, and I want to know what you intend to do about it!"
"Um-find him?" Charlie suggested.
"And how are you going to do that?"
"Er-look for him?" said Charlie.
"Oh, brilliant!" said Dr. Bloor sarcastically.

-Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, Jenny Nimmo

The Bellmaker Quote II

2011-05-28T01:12:00.001-07:00

Furrtil had regained her composure by now. She attached herself to Blaggut's leg, chuckling, "Oi loik 'ee, zurr. You'm a funny vurmint."
"D'yer 'ear that, cap'n? The liddle molemaid likes me!" The searat's face was a picture of delight.

-The Bellmaker, Brian Jacques

Swallows and Amazons Quote II

2011-05-25T01:18:00.001-07:00

"Hands up for making him walk the plank!" Her hand and Peggy's went up at once. So did Titty's. So did Roger's. John and Susan hesitated. "Oh, look here," said Nancy, "no weakening. It's far too good a plank to waste."

-Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome

Leviathan Quote I

2011-05-22T01:29:00.001-07:00

"Please, sir. I'd like to fly."

-Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld