Quotes from Donna Jo Napoli

Learning is not the accumulation of knowledge, but rather, one thing only: understanding

I feel the stars. Each sparkle sets aflame the pain in my heart.

Secrets could never be rushed. They had to come of their own accord, on their own schedule. That way ,when they came , the offered themselves as a gift.

And oh I want so much to sing, I tell myself no. But it is so hard to keep from singing.

Learning is not the accumulation of knowledge, but rather, one thing only: understanding

If you fall into water, you may still be saved. But if you fall down in literary matters, there is no life left for you.

And the world kept moving, not toward any goal, just going, because that's what life does. And its bound to be better with a companion who knows how to be tender, a companion you may grow to cherish.

Words spoken in pain could be far crueler than the speaker really intended. -Bound

Every story began with the same claim: "If you hear the first part, you'll want to hear the second. If you hear the story today, you'll come back tomorrow for another. If you hear the story tonight, you'll think about it as you sleep.

The world would be a better place if everyone traveled. ~Miss Clarrie

The British story of Peter Pan is about a boy who never grows up and plays all day.

Or, in truth, eventually, though I still noticed, the callouses on my spirit prevented wounds (p.75).

A young man who had watched her eating with her fingers offered a set of chopsticks- those sticks for eating that had become so popular. He looked at her suggestively. Instead of blushing, she accepted the chopsticks boldly and continued to walk on, using them to eat noodle and vegetable dishes.

She taught us to ask. Never be afeared to look dumb. 'Cause looking dumb don't matter. Being dumb, that matter. So just ask. And if you don't get a straight answer, then go seeking. No matter what it is. Just go seeking.

All you need is stones... If you have enough stones and the water is shallow enough, you can build a city up through the waves.

The fall air pokes Konrad like the needles of evergreens. He feels snappish and half wild.

My way of knowing is by putting myself in the other's place. Forgiveness gave me the method. I see through your eyes.

They said my heart's desire aloud, giving me the courage to acknowledge it.

You have to live life if you're going to create believable lives on paper.

If you fall into water, you may still be saved. But if you fall down in literary matters, there is no life left for you.

Forgiveness is a little thing when love is there.