Quotes by Courtney Summers

Dad was thirsty, not given to great displays of affection, like his father and his fathers father before him. A long line of self-indulgent men who couldnt give love but lived to take it, which isnt the same as receiving it. They were all in so much pain and thats always the perfect excuse.

Mom and Dad exchange a nervous glance and have a telepathic conversation about it. I hear every word. Do we let her out? Its past curfew. True, but look at that—at least she asked! I know! I can hardly believe it! She could have sneaked out, but she asked! I know! Were good parents! What time will you be back? Dad asks.

Caros right. She should be scared. Everythings out of her hands now. All the things coming Avas way they wont be able to control, things she wont always ask for because shes a girl. She doesnt even know how hard its going to be yet, but she will, because all girls find out. And I know its going to be hard for Ava in ways Ive never had to or will ever have to experience and I want to apologize to her now, before she finds out, like I wish someone had to me. Because maybe it would be better if we all got apologized to first. Maybe it would hurt less, expecting to be hurt.

If I can do things right, I dont see why everyone else cant.

I half-expect to check out, but Im really there for it. Its not like at the dance, angry and forced. Its terrible in its gentleness and hes just wasting it on me.

...a deadline should not prevent you from writing, but writing will help prevent you from missing your deadline. Then write a word. Then remind yourself of that again. And then write another and hey, look at you! You’re spitting in that deadline’s eye.

I spot a fly floating on the surface of the water, its little legs pumping madly as it fights to keep itself afloat. I know that feeling.

You know all the ways you can kill a girl?God, there are so many.

I mean, you know how it is. You chase a bottle of sleeping pills with a bottle of Jack Daniels and lifes never the same, no matter how many times you try to tell people it was just an accident.

He was planning to rape me -Why would he ever -Because he knew hed get away with it.

She was young and alive, untouchable. Why did she want to go?