The librarian spoke in a reverential whisper. Corliss knew she'd misjudged this passionate woman. Maybe she dressed poorly, but she was probably great in bed, certainly believed in God and goodness, and kept an illicit collection of overdue library books on her shelves.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the complexity of human beings and the assumptions we make about them based on superficial judgments.
In this quote, Sherman Alexie presents a nuanced perspective on a woman who, despite her unassuming external appearance, possesses depth and passion that Corliss initially misjudged. The librarian's soft, reverential whisper indicates a profound respect for knowledge and humanity, revealing how often we overlook the richness of individuals based on their appearance or societal expectations. This invites a deeper contemplation of character, virtue, and the hidden layers beneath the surface.
In practice
In a discussion about the hidden talents of others, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of looking beyond first impressions.
Gordie, the white boy genius, gave me this book by a Russian dude named Tolstoy, who wrote, 'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Well, I hate to argue with a Russian genius, but Tolstoy didn't know Indians, and he didn't know that all Indian families are unhappy for the same exact reasons: the frikkin' booze.
My wife was the first romantic partner who understood both American and native parts of me - not so much the positive stuff, but the damage.
I draw because words are too unpredictable. I draw because words are too limited. If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture everybody can understand it. If I draw a cartoon of a flower, then every man, woman, and child in the world can look at it and say, "That's a flower.
We all have to find our own ways to say good-bye.
I write books for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. I don't write to protect them. It's far too late for that. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words and ideas-that will help them fight their monsters. I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.
A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.
Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and governments.
Our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.
So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain.
You can't see anything properly while your eyes are blurred with tears.
We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle - one piece at a time.
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