Carol Anshaw Quotes

Powerful Carol Anshaw for Daily Growth

About Carol Anshaw

Carol Anshaw is an acclaimed American novelist renowned for her evocative storytelling and insightful portrayals of contemporary urban life. Born on May 19, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, she grew up in a creative household where music and literature were cherished. Her father was a violinist and a teacher, while her mother was a nurse and a writer who instilled in Carol a love for the written word. Anshaw's educational journey took her to Carleton College in Minnesota, where she graduated with honors in English. After college, she moved to Chicago and embarked on a successful career as a copywriter and marketing executive. However, her passion for writing fiction never waned. Her debut novel, "Aquamarine" (1987), was met with critical acclaim and established Anshaw as a promising new voice in American literature. The book centers around the lives of three women navigating love, loss, and identity in 1970s Chicago. This was followed by "Lucky in Chicago" (1999), a sprawling family saga set against the backdrop of the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Anshaw's third novel, "Carry the One" (2010), marked a significant departure from her previous works with its narrative structure and themes of love, loss, and brotherhood. The book was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Her latest work, "The Act of Love" (2017), delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the transformative power of love. Throughout her career, Carol Anshaw has been recognized for her nuanced portrayals of female characters and her ability to capture the essence of contemporary urban life. Her novels are not just stories; they are insightful explorations of the human condition, rooted in the rhythms and realities of modern America.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We can't control who we love, any more than we can control the weather."

This quote emphasizes that human feelings, such as love, are as unpredictable and uncontrollable as the natural elements, like the weather. It suggests that individuals do not have the power to choose who they fall in love with, just as they cannot decide the weather. Love often arises spontaneously, regardless of personal intentions or desires, much like how rain or sunshine occur without conscious control.


"We do what we can to make ourselves happy, even if it means making other people miserable."

This quote highlights a common human tendency to prioritize personal happiness above all else, sometimes at the expense of others' feelings or wellbeing. It suggests that individuals may engage in actions or decisions that bring them personal joy, without considering the potential negative impact on others. Such behavior can lead to complex social dynamics and ethical dilemmas, as striking a balance between personal fulfillment and empathy for others is often challenging. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the need for self-awareness, compassion, and responsibility in our interactions with others.


"The past was a country from which you could never return."

This quote by Carol Anshaw suggests that memories and experiences from one's past can never be revisited like a physical place, as they are indelibly etched into our consciousness. The passage of time changes us, making it impossible to experience the past as we once did. We carry forward only the lessons, emotions, and memories of the past, which shape who we are in the present and influence our future actions.


"Love is the most dangerous thing in the world, because it's unpredictable and it demands something from you—it demands everything."

The quote suggests that love can be risky due to its unpredictability and deep emotional requirements. It implies that love has the power to demand our whole selves, pushing us beyond ordinary limits, making it both dangerous and precious at the same time.


"We don't get to choose our families, but we do get to choose who we become."

This quote by Carol Anshaw highlights the inherent limitations in the family we are born into, but also underscores the power of personal agency and self-determination. It suggests that while we don't have control over our familial relationships and their influences, we retain the freedom to shape ourselves - our values, beliefs, behaviors, and identities - into who we want to be. Essentially, it encourages us to embrace our family heritage as a foundation, but not as a definitive mold for our future selves.


When I started, there was more of a cultural assumption that many readers would find gay characters irrelevant or repugnant.

- Carol Anshaw

More, Started, Repugnant, Irrelevant

I have never been on the receiving end of a hate crime, or even a disparaging remark to my face.

- Carol Anshaw

Never, Been, Receiving, Disparaging

I think we are all coming to realize the web in all its manifestations is a sucking time hole.

- Carol Anshaw

Think, I Think, Sucking, Hole

I never write in a linear way. And I tell students not to. You can only know so much about a book when you first start.

- Carol Anshaw

Book, Tell, About, Linear

I'm never sure who I'm writing for, or who's reading me, but I definitely see myself in conspiracy with my readers.

- Carol Anshaw

Myself, Reading, Sure, Conspiracy

I don't know where everything is going, but I'm pretty confident that people like books - the objects. So I'm going to go on that -they're not going to disappear.

- Carol Anshaw

Pretty, Like, Going, Disappear

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.