She's lived for a long time, and in many places. Lucky to have her here now. (p268) - Maxine Hong Kingston

I don't want anybody attached to me forever with gratitude. (p85)

Leaning with his back against the door, he could hear this voice, then that one. All was silent but for one voice at a time telling a life. (p214)

Maybe it comes from living in San Francisco, city of clammy humors and foghorns that warn and warn-omen, o-o-men, o dolorous omen, o dolors of omens-and not enough sun, but Wittman Ah Sing considered suicide every day. Entertained it. (first lines)