Quotes from Sara Gruen

When will people learn that just because you can make something doesn't mean you should?

The more distressing the memory, the more persistent it's presence.

Dear God. Not only am I unemployed and homeless, but I also have a pregnant woman, bereaved dog, elephant, and eleven horses to take care of.

Is where you're from the place you're leaving or where you have roots?

if you expect people to try to do things your way, you're going to have to give some hints as to what that way is.

I stroke her lightly, memorizing her body. I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin. I lie motionless, savoring the feeling of her body against mine. I'm afraid to breathe in case I break the spell.

Although there are times I'd give anything to have her back, I'm glad she went first. Losing her was like being cleft down the middle. It was the moment it all ended for me, and I wouldn't have wanted her to go through that.

Why the hell shouldn't I run away with the circus?

And then I laugh, because it's so ridiculous and so gorgeous and it's all I an do to not melt into a fit of giggles. So what if I'm ninety-three? So what if I'm ancient and cranky and my body's a wreck? If they're willing to accept me and my guilty conscience, why the hell shouldn't I run away with the circus? It's like Charlie told the cop. For this old man, this IS home.

It's just a crazy damned life, that's all ...

Being the survivor stinks.

Sometimes I think if I had to choose between an ear of corn or making love to a woman, I'd choose the corn.

i meant what i said, and i said what i meant.

The whole thing's illusion, [Jacob], and there's nothing wrong with that. It's what people want from us. It's what they expect.

Afterward she lies nestled against me, her hair tickling my face. I stroke her lightly, memorizing her body. I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin.

I roll onto my side and stare out the venetian blinds at the blue sky beyond. After a few minutes I'm lulled into a sort of peace. The sky, the sky--same as it always was.

I stare at her for a long moment. I want to kiss her. I want to kiss her more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

What else do I have to offer? Nothing happens to me anymore. That's the reality of getting old, and I guess that's really the crux of the matter. I'm not ready to be old yet.

Sometimes when you get older — and I'm not talking about you, I'm talking generally, because everyone ages differently — things you think on and wish on start to seem real. And then you believe them, and before you know it they're part of your history, and if someone challenges you on them and says they're not true — why, then you get offended because you can't remember the first part. All you know is that you've been called a liar.

I look after those who look after me." He smacks his lips, stares at me, and adds, "I also look after those who don't." - Sara Gruen (Water for Elephants)

When two people are meant to be together, they will be together. It's fate.

I want her to melt into me, like butter on toast. I want to absorb her and walk around for the rest of my days with her encased in my skin. I want.

Sometimes I think if I had to choose between an ear of corn or making love to a woman, I'd choose the corn.

I don't like outlining, because books are organic things. Sometimes a book doesn't want to be written in a certain way.