Elise Hooper > Elise's Quotes

“When it became clear there weren’t enough trucks to get everyone off the peninsula, they made us start marching”
― Elise Hooper, Angels of the Pacific: A Novel of World War II

“The toll of living in the jungle revealed itself when we lined up with the other nurses who had arrived on Corregidor directly from Manila, four months earlier. Those of us who had spent time in the jungle appeared feral. Our hair had grown wild, well beyond regulation off-the-collar length, our coveralls were in tatters, our cuts in rations had left us underweight and gaunt, and our sallow skin glowed with a dull sheen of malarial fever sweat.”
― Elise Hooper, Angels of the Pacific: A Novel of World War II

“You don’t need to be a hero.” I stiffened. A year ago, when I’d arrived on the decks of the Saratoga to set sail for Manila, I’d lived a small life. I was lonely and knew little about friendship. But since I’d been here in the Philippines, I’d become a part of something bigger than myself. This sprawling group of nurses and doctors and soldiers had become my family, and while serving alongside them, I’d learned I could withstand fear and deprivation and help others. That shy orphaned farm girl was half a world away and in her place was someone I barely recognized—but I liked her a lot. Now I was strong, independent, and resourceful. Though saying no to George hurt like hell, I knew it was the right answer.”
― Elise Hooper, Angels of the Pacific: A Novel of World War II