Reading counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

"A genius shoots at something no one else can see, and hits it." pg. 1

Another example of my uncanny ability to see or hear something and then read about it in a random book: today I listened to a study on NPR about the election and Republicans and the person being interviewed said he believes in the power of the individual. He said Republicans should figure this out; immigrants know the most about how it feels to be and act highly individually. Then I read, "Her name was Margaret Z. Buckle.
She made up the Z because she didn't have a middle name, and she had strong feelings about being seen as an individual." pg. 22

"She was determined and deliberate in everything she did, and that quality attracted people to her.

Mai had true confidence. Or as she liked to see herself, she was born strong-willed, while a lot of the world was wishy-washy." pg.69

"She is silent. 

Like me. 

I admire that in a person. The ability to keep your mouth shut is usually a sign of intelligence." pp. 134-135

"I would live here at Beale Memorial Library, if it were any kind of viable option. 

But as I walk through the double doors of this place I do wish that it were possible. Because: 

books =comfort 

To me anyway. 

And comfort is a thing of the past." pg. 151

"The sunlight has a way of dulling the world in Bakersfield, and I gaze out the window and everything is like a copy of an original.

The whole place is faded.

It all looks like it would be easy to tear apart." pg. 167

"People usually find a good place for stray dogs, or for the elderly when they can no longer go upstairs or use a can opener." pg. 169

"For someone grieving, moving forward is the challenge. 

Because after extreme loss, you want to go back.

Maybe that's why I don't calculate anything now. I can only count in the negative space. 

I'm on a different planet now. 

I only speak when I absolutely have to. 

Otherwise, I do my best to be invisible and stay out of the way. No matter how hard they try, other people do not understand because I'm incapable of communication. And that is why the deepest form of pain comes out of silence." pg. 175