Quotes From "The Bonesetters Daughter" By Amy Tan

Believe me, daughter, there is nothing worse than having your own family member out for revenge. Amy Tan

After all, Bao Bomu says, what is the past but what we choose to remember? Amy Tan

What is the past but what we choose to remember? Amy Tan

So much of history is mystery. We don't know what is lost forever, what will surface again. All objects exist in a moment of time. And that fragment of time is preserved or lost or found in mysterious ways. Mystery is a wonderful part of life. Amy Tan

He simply translated what was in LuLing's heart: her better intentions, her hopes. Amy Tan

...you have to believe in its principles. Anything is possible, as long as it's for the good of the world. Make the exception. Live exceptionally. And if you can't do that, maybe we should consider whether you're right for the project. Think about it, then let's talk tomorrow. Amy Tan

Free time was the most precious time, when you should be doing what you loved, or at least slowing down enough to remember what made your life worthwhile and happy. Amy Tan

You can never be an artist if your work comes without effort. That is the problem with modern ink from a bottle. You do not have to think. You simply write what is swimming on the top of your brain. And the top is nothing but pond scum, dead leaves, and mosquito spawn. But when you push an inkstick along an inkstone, you take the first step to cleansing your mind and your heart. You push and you ask yourself, What are my intentions? What is my heart that matches my mind?. Amy Tan

Forever did not mean what it once had. Forever was what changed inevitably over time. Amy Tan

A mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin. Amy Tan

Now they seemed to be in a contest over who could irritate her more, and she sometimes had to remind herself that teenagers had souls Amy Tan