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This is a discussion topic for the September 2024 Book of the Month, "Odyssey of High Hopes: A Memoir of Adversity and Triumph by Cyrus A. Ansary


What is your favorite quote from Odyssey of High Hopes: A Memoir of Adversity and Triumph by Cyrus A. Ansary?

My three favorites:
"Hell, lady, my whole future depends on this job!" Cyrus A. Ansary
"Not cool, being a wise ass when looking for work." Cyrus A. Ansary
"Of course, I want the damn job" Cyrus A. Ansary

Like everyone else, I had no choice about my birth, but I knew how I wanted to live my life.

"You know what they say about elephants battling? The other denizens of the forest would do well to stay out of the way, or be trampled."

This was a bit humorous to me but also important as it cemented that some fights are just not worth getting involved in.

Jones Mwaniki wrote: ↑06 Sep 2024, 23:38 "You know what they say about elephants battling? The other denizens of the forest would do well to stay out of the way, or be trampled."

This was a bit humorous to me but also important as it cemented that some fights are just not worth getting involved in.

I like this quote
The saying means that when powerful people or groups are in conflict, those who are smaller or less powerful can get hurt, even if they aren't directly involved. It's a warning to avoid getting caught up in problems between stronger forces.

"Just a darn minute!" So many times, he said that it was funny to see it again and again.

My favorite quote from Odyssey of High Hopes: A Memoir of Adversity and Triumph' by Cyrus A. Ansary is 'Not failure but low aim is a crime' by James Russell Lowell, given at the end of the book. We should always hitch our wagons to the stars. The mere thought of aiming at the best things in life elevates one's state of being.

My favorite quote is: "Isn't it a human trait to spin fantasies when goals are unattainable?"
I was so identify with this that made me laugh when i read it, even when a goal is far from my reality I start my fantasies with it.

Kristine Mariel Diaz wrote: ↑28 Sep 2024, 21:28 My favorite quote is: "Isn't it a human trait to spin fantasies when goals are unattainable?"
I was so identify with this that made me laugh when i read it, even when a goal is far from my reality I start my fantasies with it.

Great choice! I really like it as well; it’s natural for people to imagine different outcomes or dream big when something seems out of reach. It’s part of how we cope and stay motivated!

Kristine Mariel Diaz wrote: ↑28 Sep 2024, 21:28 My favorite quote is: "Isn't it a human trait to spin fantasies when goals are unattainable?"
I was so identify with this that made me laugh when i read it, even when a goal is far from my reality I start my fantasies with it.

I've yet to complete the book yet and I think stumbling upon this line will be a warm welcome for someone like me, who suffers from maladaptive daydreaming.

"I reflected that that was the way of the Ansarys. Lots of arguments and squabbles, but when the chips were down, we were there for each other."
This quote is from the time Cyrus's brother gives him $100 for his trip to America. I'm sure it applies to many families!

I was underwhelmed with most of the "quotable moments." There were some that were poetic, which have been mentioned already on this thread, but most of the dialogue was unmemorable.

Jane Gaskins wrote: ↑05 Sep 2024, 19:48 Like everyone else, I had no choice about my birth, but I knew how I wanted to live my life.

That's a really nice quote. I so agree with the author and that is the reason I find it weird when acquaintances wish me on my birthday. I had nothing to do with my getting born in this world. What I do for the rest of my life is something to look forward to.