Eragon / Eldest / Brisingr / Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle #1-4)

by Christopher Paolini

“I still—” Eragon broke off as Saphira soared over the river, followed by a furious crowd of sparrows and blackbirds intent on driving her away from their nests. At the same time, a chorus of squeaks and chatters burst from the armies of squirrels hidden among the branches.

a negative outlook is more of a handicap than any physical injury.

Misfortune always comes to those who wait. The trick is to find happiness in the brief gaps between disasters.