Ayana Mathis Quotes

“Down the hall the children slept three to a bedroom; Hattie could almost hear them growing, their wrists lengthening and poking out beyond the cuffs of their sleeves, their feet outgrowing their shoes, their shoulders widening and pulling the fabric of their coats taut.”

“Faith is the black person's federal reserve system.”

“As for those grapefruit and buttermilk diets, I'll take roast chicken and dumplings.”

“I did my best, and God did the rest.”

“I would definitely say I'm a feminist. To me, it just means being attentive and mindful. It's about equality and equal treatment. It feels like a gut instinct.”

“Putting a little time aside for clean fun and good humor is very necessary to relieve the tensions of our time.”

“The world moves fast, and so do the bees. Can we find the stillness to see them?”

“Only you would ask. All anyone has to do is look in your eyes to see your heart shining through, and it's a warm heart, to boot. I think Hattie has made the perfect choice"Chloe felt as if she'd just gotten a telephone hug.”

“Hush Hattie!" I said, intoxicated with my success. "I don't want to go to my room. Everyone must know I shan't marry the prince." I ran to the door to our street, opened it, and called out into the night, "I shan't marry the prince." I turned back into the hall and ran to Char and threw my arms about his neck. "I shan't marry you." I kissed his cheek. He was safe from me.”

“I had come to believe that there was something sacred in telling stories and telling them true.”