Quotes from Lisa Lutz

What was clear to Vera was that Griff was a monster for accusing her of such a thing. How dare he? Even after Griff explained how his suspicion came about—from Owen—Vera's ire remained focused on her elder son.

Luna fought hard to keep all her emotions, even joy, under the radar. But when an unruly emotion surfaced, it was merely an opening act. Anger was always the headliner.

What Owen would have said if he'd had time to think about it was that Luna thought too hard about being good. Thinking about being good didn't make you good. Sacrificing individual happiness didn't make the world a better place.

No, she said. She was crying because Irene had the same tracksuit that Paulie Walnuts was wearing.

You and Owen were fine when he was a murder suspect, but after his name is cleared you don't talk to him?" Mason said. "That doesn't make any sense.

My mother used to say, If you stared at him long enough, he was handsome. And my father would continue, But your mother was the only one who had the patience.

Casey was telling Luna to live in the moment, to enjoy the easy gifts that life offered. But Luna couldn't help but feel a faint threat in the subtext.

Irene told me about you. A long time ago. I remember now. You fucked her when she was a teenager. Then you married her mother. Don't ever call me again.

Doesn't matter. She'll sleep as long as you drive." "Do environmentalists know about this?

boundary blindness

is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. That's all, folks. Be safe out there.

those ornate metal deals. The initials JP were inscribed on the back. I gave Billy a look that informed him I knew I was handling stolen goods. I gave him a follow-up look indicating that I wouldn't rat him out. I'm not a rat, which some people might consider an asset, but I'm fairly certain it is my fatal flaw.

A salad of honesty and deception is the only way I can get away with an untruth.

What it lacks in prostitution, it makes up for in drugs and public urination.

But some men can only read their internal weather report and have no concept that another human might not want the same things they want.

I have been disappointed by students, even hurt and humiliated. That was the first time I felt fear.

The first rule of writing is that there are no rules.

Owen looked at Greg, who shrugged. Owen had no idea what the shrug was intended to convey. Greg rarely said anything. But unlike most people who use words sparingly, he hadn't developed superior forms of nonverbal communication.

Many young girls make that mistake at one time or another—they lose themselves in a boy.

Luna nodded at Greg, who returned the look with an embarrassed smile. Greg always seemed confused by his wife's behavior, as if she were an alien with entirely different customs from his.

What are we drinking to?" I asked. "To escape plans?" "Whose?" "Anyone with the guts," said Sean.

I really think you should go out, Walter." "No, thank you. I don't like it there.

Vyshe golovy ne prygnesh

Boys are like that. They'd rather you die than reject them.