The essential dilemma of my life is between my deep desire to belong and my suspicion of belonging.

In college, I used to underline sentences that struck me, that made me look up from the page. They were not necessarily the same sentences the professors pointed out, which would turn up for further explication on an exam. I noted them for their clarity, their rhythm, their beauty and their enchantment.

Language, identity, place, home: these are all of a piece - just different elements of belonging and not-belonging.

Jhumpa Lahiri Quotes