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Quote by Chris Abani

“I truly believe that writing is a continuum--so the different genres and forms are simply stops along the same continuum. Different ideas that need to be expressed sometimes require different forms for the ideas to float better.”

Quote by Chris Abani

Author

Chris Abani, born on December 27, 1966, is a Nigerian-British author known for his works in novels, poetry, and drama. His writing is celebrated for its profound themes and unique narrative style. more

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“I think it's an aggregation of all of the small acts that are really transformative. I think a group of small acts transform the individual. And maybe when the individual transforms, collectively we transform.”

Thinking Individual Groups Small Acts

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“There was a positive side to not trying at something: you could always pretend that your life would have been different if you had.”

Ifs Trying Has Beens Different Sides

Book:GraceLand: A Novel

Source: GraceLand: A Novel

“As with much of the world's problems, they become public--or much more of interest--the moment they begin to impact the West.”

World Moments Problem Interest Impact West

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“I didn't leave Africa, I left Nigeria, and for political reasons. But ... I've never, never left Africa, and I certainly never left what it means to be Ibo. That is something you carry with you.”

Mean Reason Political Left Nigeria

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“The privilege of being a writer is that you have this opportunity to slow down and to consider things.”

Opportunity Down And Privilege Slow Down

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“Here's the thing: You rescue us every day in small, quiet ways, so why not in this way? Let us into your mystery, tell us how you would like to be loved, show us how to see you, really see you.”

Way Shows Mystery Quiet Why Not Rescue

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“Elvis, stop dat! You know it is taboo to whistle at night. You will attract a spirit.”

Knows Spirit Night Taboo

Book:GraceLand: A Novel

Source: GraceLand: A Novel

“Nigerians are everywhere. There's an old joke, particularly about the Ibos, that when you finally land on Mars, you're going to find a Nigerian there who has a shop that is selling Coca-Cola--who took a speculative trip 20 years ago and has been waiting for everyone else to arrive.”

Years Has Beens Waiting Land Jokes Years Ago Selling Shops Mars Coca Cola Old Jokes

Author:Chris Abani

“My mom taught me to read when I was two or three. When I was five I read and wrote well enough to do my nine-year older brother's homework in exchange for chocolate or cigarettes. By the time I was 10, I was reading Orwell, Tolstoy's War and Peace, and the Koran. I was reading comic books too.”

Years Wells Two Book War Enough Three Reading Five Taught Brother Mom My Mom Nine Comic Chocolate Cigarette Comic Book Homework Nine Years Older Brother

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“Sometimes we say we want an end to hate or racism or sexism. But we all participate in keeping these structures alive. If everyone decided to relinquish the past what would happen to people who feel that there hasn't been proper atonement made to them? And what happens to the person who feels that the constant atonement is their identity?”

People Ifs Want Feels Persons Made Ends Sometimes Happens Past Hate Alive Identity Racism Decided Structure Constant Sexism Atonement

Author:Chris Abani