It felt like so many years' worth of anxiety and worry were trying to escape all at once—maybe like an emotional volcano, only my mom and dad, they didn't run away to save themselves but sprinted right into my lava.

— Matthew Quick

It felt like so many years' worth of anxiety and worry were trying to escape all at once—maybe like an emotional volcano, only my mom and dad, they didn't run away to save themselves but sprinted right into my lava. They both jumped up off the couch and wrapped their arms around me even though it meant touching each other. We stayed like that for a long time, and it felt good—almost enough to justify everything that had precipitated it, but not quite.

— Matthew Quick

It’s a long race, and you can always outwork talent in the end

— Matthew Quick

I've seen the way you've been looking at me. Don't bullshit me, Pat. I live in the addition around back, which is completely separate from the house, so there's no chance of my parents walking in on us. I hate the fact that you wore a football jersey to dinner, but you can fuck me as long as we turn the lights out first. Okay?

— Matthew Quick

I was right; just as soon as you take the first step toward getting to know someone your own age, everything you thought was magical about that person turns to shit right in front of your face

— Matthew Quick

... Kenny G is extremely talented and resourceful and a powerful force to be reckoned with ... Mr. G might not seem evil, but I fear him more than any other human being.

— Matthew Quick

Let me tell ya. You have to pay attention to signs. When life reaches out with a moment like this it's a sin if you don't reach back... I'm telling you.

— Matthew Quick

Life is not a PG feel-good movie. Real life often ends badly. Literature tries to document this reality, while showing us it is still possible for us to endure nobly.

— Matthew Quick

Look, sometimes it’s OK with girls like this, they want to have fun, and sometimes it’s not because they've got a broken wing, and they’re hurt, and they’re an easy target. In this case, this particular case, I think that wing is being fixed, my friend, and you have to make sure that it’s mended, and you’re getting in the way of that right now, okay, because she’s sensitive, and she’s smart, she’s artistic. This is a great girl, you have to be respectful to that. Come on, let me walk you to your car, you’re a better guy than this.

— Matthew Quick

Miracles happen on Christmas, Pat. Everybody knows that shit.

— Matthew Quick