The Kings of Cool (Savages, #1)

by Don Winslow

“It’s not a ‘habit,’” Ben answered. “It’s a ‘routine.’” A habit is a matter of compulsion, a routine a matter of choice. The fact that it’s the same choice every day is irrelevant.

Ben believes that to answer violence with violence only begets more violence, while Chon believes that to answer violence with nonviolence only begets more violence, his evidence being the entire history of humanity.

The river of time is tough that way. Sometimes the current is so strong that you can never go back to who you used to be, even for a visit, but

“Is O with you?” Ben asks, aware that if she is, she’s in handcuffs and leg irons, because O would rather sip cat urine straight from the cat than iced tea with her mother on the patio. Paqu lets the “O” reference slide. “No, I believe she’s out seeking employment.” And I believe, Ben thinks, that bin Laden is hitting open-mike night at the West Akron Holiday Inn.