Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Castle Book 1)

by Diana Wynne Jones

She read a great deal, and very soon realized how little chance she had of an interesting future.

Sophie’s experience told her that tantrums are seldom about the thing they appear to be about.

It seems as if those of high ability cannot resist some extra, dangerous stroke of cleverness, which results in a fatal flaw and begins a slow decline to evil.

“I feel ill,” he announced. “I’m going to bed, where I may die.” He tottered piteously to the stairs. “Bury me beside Mrs. Pentstemmon,” he croaked as he went up them to bed.

“I’m dying of boredom,” Howl said pathetically. “Or maybe just dying.”