I reread Howl’s Moving Castle for #dwjmarch, or #marchmagics or whatever the kids are calling it these days. It’s one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors and reading it is always a joyful and rewarding experience. I have many favorite scenes and quotes, many of which are very useful in real-life situations. I have listed some of my favorites below, with suggestions on their use.
Quotes
“But I discovered that people like me- they do, you know, if you like them– and then it was all right.”
Use as good advice for pretty much any social situation.
“I’ve heard of you, Miss Hatter, and I don’t care for your competition or your attitude.”
Use as a good throw-down statement any time you come across one of your many nemeses.
“But I’m surely due to have a third encounter, magical or not. In fact, I insist on one. I wonder what it will be.”
Use when you know what you want and that you’re gonna get it and if you’re open-minded about the details.
“What a stupid way to treat a building!”
Use when faced with atrocities of architecture, either in aesthetics or utility.
“I refuse to be exploited.”
Use when needed.
“I hope your bacon burns.”
Use as an all-purpose curse, but be aware it is particularly vicious.
“I am a total stranger,” Sophie lied firmly.
Use when you come across someone you have met that you would rather not speak to, e.g. , oh no it’s that lady I met at a party once and I don’t remember her name but she was awful OH NO SHE IS SPEAKING TO ME.
“I’ve reached that stage in my career when I need to impress everyone with my power and wickedness.”
Use when you’re feeling supremely self-confident and ready to take on the world.
“Keep that broom still while I cross my own room, please.”
Use when someone is in your space, messing up your vibes, and you want to show your disapproval.
“I know I’m slapdash, but there’s no need for you to copy me.”
Use when you’re showing someone how to do something and they’re foolishly trying to do it as fast as you do.
“Michael was a nice boy, Sophie thought, but a bit helpless in a crisis.”
Use when describing that one friend we all have that we wouldn’t want to trust our life to in a tense situation.
“Why have you made a jigsaw puzzle of my best suit? Just a friendly inquiry, you know.”
See “Keep that broom still” up above.
“Is that all you can do in the face of tragedy? Make toast!”
Use when someone isn’t taking your personal crisis as seriously as you think they should be.
“Don’t you think I did any of me myself, then? Put in just a few touches of my own?”
Use when others are claiming responsibility for anything good or important you’ve ever done.
“I feel ill,” he announced. “I’m going to bed, where I may die.”
Use when you’re sick enough to feel miserable but not sick enough to go to the doctor.
“I can tell Sophie is in top form at the moment, and I want this room the usual size when I come back to it.”
Use when babysitting or supervising humans of any age whom you don’t trust.
“I have caught an everlasting cold, but luckily I am terribly dishonest. I cling to that.”
Use when you need something to cling to.
“I assure you, my friends, I am cone sold stober.”
Use when those around you don’t trust your frame of mind or decision-making skills.
“You’ve no right to make jigsaws of people!”
Use to show your disapproval of someone’s completely immoral choices.
“All my flanks were weak!”
Use to admit when you were wrong and you have regrets.
Bahnreads 