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Quote by Teju Cole

“That's a tree of heaven, my friend said. I know because I, too, got curious about it, and looked it up. Botanists call it an invasive species. But aren't we all?”

Quote by Teju Cole

Work

Open City

In this introspective novel, the protagonist, a young man of immigrant descent, navigates the diverse and intricate landscape of New York City. The story delves into themes of identity, immigration, and the challenges of fitting into a new society while maintaining cultural heritage. The narrative is characterized by its meditative tone and the exploration of the protagonist's personal and philosophical musings. more

Author

Teju Cole
Teju Cole

Teju Cole, born on June 27, 1975, is a distinguished Nigerian-American writer known for his unique literary style and profound insights into contemporary social issues. His works, which include novels, photography, and essays, explore themes of race, identity, and globalization. Cole's debut novel, 'Every Day Is a Good Day,' won the 2008 National Book Award, and his photography and essays have also received widespread recognition, including the Photography Prize from The New Yorker magazine. more

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“So powerful is human will once fully aligned to inner power and soul purpose, that the body and material living comes under the sovereign management of one’s true being: an infinite soul experiencing time and space naturally, birth and death as the natural rhythms of life. Soul will focus on experiencing physical life in harmony with the organic nature of physical evolution: being a child, being a young adult, being middle-aged, being old. Yet always being a spiritual soul experiencing life cycles for the purpose of becoming enlightened or a complete being in tune with divine mind or the creative source of life. When one connects with inner power and one’s soul identity, whatever physical body or circumstance we experience becomes fodder for our garden of beautiful colour, music, and the beautiful feeling of love, passion, and divine purpose.”

“It’s just that I didn’t understand when I met you. After your first Games, I thought the whole romance was an act on your part. We all expected you’d continue that strategy. But it wasn’t until Peeta hit the force field and nearly died that I —' Finnick hesitates. I think back to the arena. How I sobbed when Finnick revived Peeta. The quizzical look on Finnick's face. The way he excused by behavior, blaming it on my pretend pregnancy. 'That you what?' 'That I knew I'd misjudged you. That you do love him. I'm not saying in what way. Maybe you don't know yourself. But anyone paying attention could see how much you care about him,' he says gently. Anyone? On Snow's visit before the Victory Tour, he had challenged me to erase any doubts of my love for Peeta. 'Convince me,' Snow said. It seems, under that hot pink sky with Peeta's life in limbo, I finally did. And in doing so, I gave him the weapon he needed to break me.”

“Are you, are you Coming to the tree? They strung up a man They say who murdered three. Strange things did happen here No stranger would it be If we met at midnight In the hanging tree. Are you, are you Coming to the tree? Where dead man called out For his love to flee. Strange things did happen here No stranger would it be If we met at midnight In the hanging tree. Are you, are you Coming to the tree? Where I told you to run, So we'd both be free. Strange things did happen here No stranger would it be If we met at midnight In the hanging tree. Are you, are you Coming to the tree? Wear a necklace of rope, Side by side with me. Strange things did happen here No stranger would it be If we met at midnight In the hanging tree.”