Red White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
“The way Henry talks about him is a physical feat drifting up in the corners with fondness but sagging in the middle under the weight.” (p. 171)
“He’s been aware for too long that most people don’t navigate thoughts of whether they’ll ever be good enough or if they’re disappointing the entire world.” (p. 51)
“His brain is a two-passenger minimum rider as far as he’s concerned - alone and busy or thinking with company.” (p. 90)
“...Henry says, “It sounds like you did your best.”
Alex forgets what he was going to say next.
He just… Well, he gets told he’s great a lot. He just doesn’t often get told he’s good enough.” (p. 92)
“...feelings don’t consume her the way his do.” (p. 112)
“”...And you are good. Most things are awful most of the time, but you’re good.”” (p. 230)
“”...I used to think, if I pictured the person I wanted to be and took all the crazy anxiety in my brain and narrowed it down to that point, I could rewire it. Use it to power something else. It’s like I never learned to just be where I am.”” (p. 263)
“He tells his too-fast brain: Don’t miss it this time. He’s too important.” (p. 275)
“He wants to set himself on fire, but he can’t afford for anyone to see him burn.” (p. 314)
“”...there’s this side of him that’s… unknowable.” He takes a breath. “But the thing is, jumping off cliffs is kinda my thing. That’s the choice. I love him, with all that, because of all that. On purpose. I love him on purpose.”” (p. 344)