“They sat quietly together for a few minutes, Joe holding Fiona's hand, Fiona sniffling. No flowery words, no platitudes passed between them. Joe would have done anything to ease her suffering, but he knew nothing he might do, or say, could. Her grief would run its course, like a fever, and release her when it was spent. He would not shush her or tell her it was God's will and that her da was better off. That was rubbish and they both knew it. When something hurt as bad as this, you had to let it hurt. There were no shortcuts.”

“Beautiful people don't need coats. They've got their auras to keep them warm.”

“Beautiful people don't need coats. They've got their auras keeping them warm.”

“You, on the other hand, wish to know things. And no one can forgive a girl for that.”

“Sometimes you have to do wrong to do right.”

“The truth costs.Lies cost more.”

“Her fear was strong, but her need for the truth was stronger.”

“But you are a different sort of girl. Not at all what I expected you to be. And this is a different sort of time. And so I am hopeful for all the things you may yet find.”

“I'd wish you good luck, but you won't need it. You get to write your own story now. Nothing's luckier than that.”

“With 'A Northern Light,' I've already heard from teenage readers, teachers, librarians - it's been so gratifying. It's amazing that you can take something that matters so deeply to you and make it matter to someone else.”

“Think you only kings have power? Stand on a stage and hold the hearts of men in your hands. Make them laugh with a gesture, cry with a word. Make them love you. And you will know what power is.”