Annie

“Caring too much for objects can destroy you. Only—if you care for a thing enough, it takes on a life of its own, doesn’t it? And isn’t the whole point of things—beautiful things—that they connect you to some larger beauty?”
― Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch

“I felt there was a lot I needed to teach her. I wanted to give her an early grounding in the basics of arithmetic and reading, but even more important, I wanted to get across the idea that the world was a dangerous place and life was unpredictable and you had to be smart, focused, and determined to make it through. You had to be willing to work hard and persevere in the face of misfortune. A lot of people, even those born with brains and beauty, didn't have what it took to knuckle down and get the thing done.”
― Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses

“He watches his daughter chase the waves and knows that, somehow, he has been bested by this miniature girl child. Sailing to the moon would be easier than denying her any longer. And he would, just to get away from her incessant pleas. “Take me with you, Da!” has been her daily refrain.”
― Ariel Lawhon, The Pirate Queen

“He has already ordered the crew to show her no mercy. They’d scowled at him. Gráinne is their favorite. She is everyone’s favorite. Her greatest gift is making people like her. Eóin is certain the damn wee banshee is gathering an army loyal only to herself.”
― Ariel Lawhon, The Pirate Queen