She just stayed there like a calm little bird inside the circle of his arms. It was astonishing. Holding her this way felt like a hard day’s rest. It felt like the main thing he’d been needing to do. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

You didn’t have to agree with everything a person said, or approve of the condition of her soul, to show some simple consideration. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

There’s nothing so important as having variety: That’s how life can still go on when the world changes. But variety means strong and not so strong, and that’s just how it is. You throw the dice. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

Look close. If it doesn’t sound true, it isn’t. There’s always a reason for what people say, but usually it’s not the reason they think. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

Even if you never touch meat, you’re costing something its blood… Living takes life. But it can be thoughtful. A little bit humble about the necessity, maybe. You can consider the costs of your various choices. Or you can blow big holes in the world for no better reason than simple fear. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

There’s no such thing as alone. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

Nothing was more wonderful than waiting for a happiness you could be sure of. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

The world grows quickly impatient with grief. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover

It made for a long, lonely life, this business of getting things right. – Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingslover