John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany

"Many things the gods achieve beyond our judgement,'"said the sorrowful girl. "'What we thought is not confirmed and what we thought not God contives."

"If you care about something you have to protect it – If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it."

"It is your responsibility to find fault with me, it is mine to hear you out. But don't expect me to change."

"My life is a reading list."

"O God — please give him back! I shall keep asking You."

"O God — please give him back! I shall keep asking You."