More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
In order for her life to be considered ethical, thinks Blandine, she must try to dismantle systemic injustice. But she doesn’t know how to do that.
The streets you walk, the food you eat, the job you work, the method of transportation you choose, the beauty products you purchase, the shows you watch, the links you click, the way you sit on a train, the way you speak to waiters, the way you take your coffee—everything affects everyone. Find a way to believe this, even when sober.
Addicted to learning because it distracts her from the hostility of her consciousness; she has one of those brains that attacks itself unless it’s completing a difficult task.
Over time, he builds validation in her body like a ship in a bottle.
That a place called Lover’s Hollow existed within a place called Chastity Valley gave Blandine some hope about human resilience in the face of human brutality.
Elsie liked keeping the secrets of powerful men—it made the patriarchy more inclusive, palatable, and funny.
“Sometimes I cover my entire body with the liquid of broken glow sticks and break into the houses of my enemies,”
You’re just a series of messy, contradicting behaviors, like everyone else. Those behaviors can become patterns, or instincts, and some are better than others. But as long as you’re alive, the jury’s out.”
Drink beer for health!
Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong.
Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have heaven and earth, and all of creation. You are a world—everything is hidden in you.
He sees her flaws, feels a little repulsed, and yet he can’t kick the enchantment out of his body. It occurs to him that he might actually like her personality.
It’s hard to value yourself!
“I am so sick,” Blandine says, “of violence against women disguised as validation.”
We think we want to kill each other, but what we really want to kill is the cage.
Why do vices get to be physical? Why do they get to clutter up the world? Why can’t I see any fucking virtues?”
