James Lee Burke

“If there is any human tragedy, there is only one, and it occurs when we forget who we are and remain silent while a stranger takes up residence inside our skin.”

“I looked at Lucas with the pang that a parent feels when he knows his child will be hurt and that it's no one's fault and that to try to preempt the rites of passage is an act of contempt for the child's courage.”

“...and I wonder if there is any way to adequately describe the folly that causes us to undo all the great gifts of both Earth and Heaven.”

“Never read bad stuff if you're an artist; it will impair your own game.”