Why do some memories live only on your tongue or in your nose? Why do others always stay in your heart? - Amy Tan

When I want something to happen — or not happen — I begin to look at all events and all things as relevant, an opportunity to take or avoid. I found the opportunity.

Chinese people do business, do medicine, do painting. Not lazy like American people. We do torture. Best torture.

A girl is like a young tree, she said. You must stand tall and listen to your mother standing next to you. That is the only way to grow strong and straight. But if you bend to listen to other people, you will grow crooked and weak. You will fall to the ground with the first strong wind. And then you will be like a weed, growing wild in any direction, running along the ground until someone pulls you out and throws you away.