117 Quotes by Leif Enger

Pride is the rope God allows us all.

It is one thing to be sick of your own infirmities and another to understand that the people you love most are sick of them also. You are very near then to being friendless in the world.

Nothing could quiet a happy crowd of kids like Mr. Holgren’s unannounced appearance – he loved superintending; he was made for it. So when he marched in that morning with a determined look on his face, we froze. Boys and girls recognize sinister as handily as dogs do. Here it was. My best guess now is he’d got it in his head to try “relating” to us – but when he produced a paper pilgrim’s hat from behind his back and put it on his own head, I think we all nearly bolted.

Waltzer was stirred by the boy’s assurance under stress. Waltzer believed in invented destiny and invented some then and there.

Why am I still surprised when it turns out there is more to the story?

And who doesn’t long for the door in the air.

You are no failure, on a river. The water moves regardless – for all it cares, you might be a minnow or a tadpole, a turtle on a beavered log. You might be nothing at all.

You can embark on new and steeper versions of your old sins, you know, and cry tears while doing it that are genuine as any.

It’s possible to perceive what is coming and still be dumbfounded when it happens.