finished reading:

quotes/thoughts:

"Clive knew that ecstasy cannot last, but can carve a channel for something lasting, and he contrived a relation for something that proved permanent. If Maurice made love it was Clive who preserved it, and caused its rivers to water the garden. He could not bear that one drop be wasted in bitterness or sentimentality, and as time went on they abstained from avowals("we have said everything") and almost from caresses. Their happiness was to be together; they radiated something of their calm amongst others, and could take their place in society." -E.M. Forster, Maurice

"People tend to focus on the pracical appeal of queer relationships-- plenty of think pieces have celebrated these bonds for the way they transcend gender roles. When sexism doesn't tell you who should cook, who cooks? The better cook. Beautiful." -Jen Winston, Greedy

The Count of Monte Cristo has got to be the most legendary story to ever exist. It's long but not difficult. I've been reading it for like 6+ months idk I've lost track at this point but I highly highly recommend if you're thinking about it! I also think its a great way to get into classics

"I wanted to give her a lot of things. I wanted what I had to be hers. I wondered if this is what it felt like to love someone. I already knew what it meant to be in love with someone. I'd felt it, and I'd acted it. But to love someone. To care for them. To throw your lot in with theirs and think, Whatever happens, its you and me." -Tayor Jenkens Reid in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo