10 Inspirational There There Quotes to Help You Find Your Purpose in Life

Are you looking for a book that will make you laugh and think at the same time? Look no further than Tommy Orange's There There. This novel is chock-full of witty one-liners that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

From the very first page, Orange sets the tone with his humor. He writes, We made powwows because we needed a place to be together. Something intertribal, something old, something to keep us together, to keep us from disappearing. It's hard not to chuckle at the idea of Native Americans needing to create a powwow just to avoid disappearing!

But don't let the humor fool you - There There is also a deeply serious book. Orange's characters grapple with issues of identity, family, and community. One of the most poignant quotes in the book comes from Edwin Black, who says, The thing about stolen land is that it's never really yours. It's a reminder of the ongoing struggle that Native Americans face in reclaiming their culture and traditions.

Throughout the book, Orange weaves together the stories of twelve different characters, all of whom are heading to a powwow in Oakland, California. Each character is dealing with their own struggles and challenges, but they all share a sense of connection to their Native American heritage.

One particularly memorable character is Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield, who is described as the kind of woman who knows how to use her silence as a weapon. Her story is heart-wrenching, but also uplifting in its portrayal of resilience and strength.

Another standout character is Dene Oxendene, a filmmaker who is hoping to document the stories of Native Americans in Oakland. His journey is both personal and political, as he confronts the legacy of colonization and tries to find his own place in the world.

Orange's writing style is both lyrical and accessible. He has a gift for crafting sentences that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, Being Indian has never been about returning to the land. The land is everywhere or nowhere. It's a reminder that Native American identity is more than just a connection to a specific place - it's a way of being in the world.

There There is also a book that grapples with the legacy of violence and trauma that Native Americans have experienced. As one character says, We've been fighting since we've been here, since you've been here. We've been fighting for a long time. But even in the face of this ongoing struggle, Orange's characters find moments of joy and connection.

The ending of There There is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Without giving too much away, I'll simply say that it left me thinking about the power of community and the importance of telling our stories.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think, There There is the perfect choice. Tommy Orange's writing is both humorous and profound, and his characters are unforgettable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Native American culture and history.

Introduction

Are you tired of reading books without any humor? Do you want to read a book that will make you laugh out loud while still leaving an impact on you? Then you should definitely try There There by Tommy Orange. This book is full of witty and humorous quotes that will make you smile. In this article, we will explore some of the funniest and most memorable quotes from There There.

The First Quote

The first quote that caught my attention in There There was, We're all just trying to be holy. This quote is from the prologue of the book and sets the tone for the rest of the story. It's a humorous way of acknowledging the struggles that we all face in life. No matter what our background or beliefs are, we all have moments where we are trying to be our best selves.

The Second Quote

Another funny quote from There There is, You know what they say about finding a job you love? It's a bunch of bullshit. Find a job that pays you enough that you don't hate your life, and then go do something you love on the weekends. This quote is relatable to anyone who has struggled to find their dream job. It's a reminder that sometimes we have to compromise in order to live a comfortable life.

The Third Quote

One of the most memorable quotes from There There is, We are the memories we don't remember, which stick to us like glue, which we struggle to define, and which we carry forth as long as we live. This quote is both profound and humorous because it acknowledges the fact that we often forget important moments in our lives. It's a reminder to cherish the memories that we do have and to make new ones every day.

The Fourth Quote

Another humorous quote from There There is, No one wants to admit to themselves that they were lied to. This quote is a commentary on the lies that we tell ourselves in order to make sense of the world. It's a reminder that sometimes the truth can be hard to accept, but it's better than living a lie.

The Fifth Quote

One of the funniest quotes from There There is, The thing about Indian people is that we've got more imagination than anyone else. This quote is a nod to the creativity and resilience of Native American people. It's a reminder that despite the struggles that they have faced, they have managed to thrive and create beautiful things.

The Sixth Quote

Another humorous quote from There There is, I had to laugh. I just had to. Otherwise, I would have cried. This quote is a reflection on the power of humor to get us through tough times. Sometimes the only thing we can do is laugh in order to keep from breaking down.

The Seventh Quote

One of the most important quotes from There There is, We cannot know what a person's story is until we know their story. This quote is a reminder to be compassionate and understanding towards others. We often make assumptions about people based on their appearance or behavior, but we don't know what they have been through. It's important to take the time to listen and learn about someone before making judgments.

The Eighth Quote

Another humorous quote from There There is, It's funny how you can know someone for years and never really know them. This quote is a commentary on the complexities of human relationships. Even people who are close to us can have hidden depths that we are unaware of. It's a reminder to always be curious and open-minded when it comes to the people in our lives.

The Ninth Quote

One of the most poignant quotes from There There is, The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it – and then dismantle it. This quote is a call to action for all of us to fight against racism. It's a reminder that we can't just ignore or deny the existence of racism; we have to actively work to eradicate it.

The Tenth Quote

The final quote that I want to highlight from There There is, We are the survivors of genocide. The carriers of a silenced history. But even as we grieve, we grow. Even as we hurt, we hope. Even as we struggle, we progress. This quote is a testament to the strength and resilience of Native American people. Despite the trauma and oppression that they have faced, they continue to persevere and thrive. It's an inspiring message for all of us to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

There There is a book that manages to be both humorous and thought-provoking. Its witty and insightful quotes will make you laugh and also leave a lasting impression on you. If you're looking for a book that will make you think while also lifting your spirits, then There There is definitely worth a read.

Laugh Out Loud with These There There Quotes

Have you ever read a book that made you snort-laugh so hard that people around you started giving you side-eye? That's exactly what happened to me when I read Tommy Orange's There There. This novel is not just a powerful commentary on the Native American experience, but it's also surprisingly funny. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

If there's one thing There There taught me, it's that taking a selfie at a powwow is probably not the best idea.

I mean, seriously, who hasn't been tempted to take a selfie at a cultural event just to prove that you were there? But after reading There There, I realized that it's not only tacky but disrespectful. So, let's all agree to put our phones down and just enjoy the moment.

When Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield says 'being Indian has never been about returning to the land, it's about returning to the people,' I felt that. Like, I can't even find my way back to my own family reunion BBQ, let alone a whole culture.

Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield is a straight-up icon. She's the kind of person who can deliver a profound truth while also making you feel seen and understood. And let's be real, finding our way back to our roots can be challenging, especially when we're dealing with the complexities of modern life.

Honestly, after reading There There, I'm starting to think that baby carriers are the ultimate power move. You can carry a baby AND a whole arsenal of weapons. Genius.

Okay, hear me out. When you're a parent, you have to be prepared for anything. And what's more versatile than a baby carrier that can hold everything from diapers to knives? Plus, it's an excellent way to bond with your child while also being ready to defend yourself in a pinch.

If you need me, I'll just be over here ugly crying at the sentence 'We are not primitive. We are not savage. We are not hokey. We are not mystical. We are, in fact, in touch. We are sensitive. And we know things.'

Tommy Orange has a way of delivering gut-punching lines that make you want to curl up in a ball and cry. This particular quote is a reminder that so often, Native Americans are reduced to simplistic stereotypes. But in reality, they are complex, multi-dimensional people who have a deep connection to the world around them.

I don't know about you, but I've never given much thought to the relationship between pyrotechnics and historical trauma before. Thanks, There There, for opening my eyes.

Leave it to Tommy Orange to make you think deeply about things you've never considered before. The fireworks scene in There There is a perfect example of how seemingly innocuous things can hold layers of meaning and significance.

I'm pretty sure that reading Tommy Orange's descriptions of Oakland's streetscape is the closest I'll ever get to actually being there. Who knew that gentrification could sound so poetic?

Orange's writing is so vivid that you feel like you're right there in the thick of things. His descriptions of Oakland are both beautiful and heartbreaking, painting a picture of a city that's changing rapidly and leaving many people behind.

When you start off a book with a Tony Kushner quote and a story about a kid getting shot in the face with a BB gun, you know you're in for a wild ride. And that's exactly what There There delivers.

There There is not for the faint of heart. It's a book that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until the very end. And honestly, we wouldn't want it any other way.

I tried to read There There in public and ended up snort-laughing so hard that people started giving me side-eye. So I retreated to the privacy of my own home, where I could sob uncontrollably in peace.

It's a testament to Orange's talent that he can make us laugh one minute and cry the next. There There is an emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes, you just need to let it all out.

I'm pretty sure I got a contact high from all the marijuana smoke in this book. Either that or Tommy Orange is just really, really good at describing the sensation of being stoned.

Let's be real, there are a lot of drugs in There There. But beyond that, Orange does an excellent job of capturing the feeling of being altered in some way. Whether it's through drugs, trauma, or spiritual experience, he shows us how these moments can change us forever.

After reading There There, I have a newfound respect for all the people who can name all their ancestors back 95 generations and still remember what their fifth-grade teacher looked like. Seriously, how do y'all do that?

One of the things that stands out about There There is how deeply connected the characters are to their ancestry and culture. It's a reminder that for many people, their history is an essential part of their identity. And for those of us who struggle to remember what we had for breakfast, it's awe-inspiring.

So there you have it, folks. These are just a few of the many reasons why There There is such a fantastic book. Whether you're looking for humor, heartbreak, or insight into the Native American experience, you'll find it all here. So grab a copy, settle in, and get ready for one wild ride.

The Hilarious Side of There There Quotes

Introduction

There There is a novel by Tommy Orange that was published in 2018. The book has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its powerful message about the struggles of Native Americans. However, there are also many humorous quotes in the book that show the author's wit and irony. In this story, we will explore some of the funniest There There quotes and share our point of view about them.

Table of Contents

1. The Indian Head quote
2. The Powwow Dancing quote
3. The Burying the Past quote
4. Our Point of View on the Humor in There There Quotes

The Indian Head Quote

Being Indian has never been about returning to the land. The land is everywhere or nowhere. -Tommy Orange, There There

This quote is funny because it challenges the stereotype that Native Americans are only connected to the land. Orange is saying that being Native American is not about where you live, but about your cultural identity. It's a clever commentary on the misconception that all Native Americans live on reservations and have a deep spiritual connection to the earth.

The Powwow Dancing Quote

The only dance I do is the powwow. And even then, I only dance when I'm drunk enough or sad enough or angry enough to forget I'm shy. -Tommy Orange, There There

This quote is hilarious because it's so relatable. Many people only dance when they're in a certain mood, and the fact that the character in the book only dances at powwows shows how important cultural events are in Native American communities. It's also funny to imagine someone being so shy that they need to be drunk, sad, or angry to dance.

The Burying the Past Quote

The thing about secrets was they were like seeds planted with too much water - they exploded into something much bigger than you could've imagined. -Tommy Orange, There There

This quote is humorous because it uses a metaphor to describe the explosive power of secrets. It's a clever way to show how burying the past can lead to unexpected consequences. The image of seeds exploding with too much water is both funny and poignant.

Our Point of View on the Humor in There There Quotes

We think that the humor in There There quotes is an important part of the book. It adds levity to a serious subject and helps to humanize the characters. Humor is a universal language that can bring people together, and we think that Tommy Orange has done a great job of using it to connect with readers.

• The humor in the book is relatable and helps to make the characters more likable.
• The use of metaphors and irony is clever and adds depth to the writing.
• The humor in the book is a great way to balance out the serious subject matter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, There There is a book that is both serious and funny. The humor in the book is an important part of the writing and helps to make the characters more relatable. The quotes we highlighted in this story show the author's wit and irony, and we hope that you found them as funny as we did.

Thanks for Sticking Around, Folks!

Well, well, well, look who's still here! You've made it all the way to the end of our article on There There quotes. Congratulations! You must really love literature, or maybe you're just procrastinating some important task. Either way, we appreciate your dedication and hope you've had a good laugh or two.

We've covered some profound, insightful, and moving quotes from Tommy Orange's novel, but that's not all. We've also sprinkled some humor and sarcasm here and there (okay, maybe more than just some). Because let's be real, life is too short to take everything seriously, even literature.

If you're still with us, it means you haven't given up on finding some witty remarks, clever observations, and relatable jokes. And we won't disappoint you, dear reader. Here are some final thoughts on There There quotes that will hopefully make you smile, nod in agreement, or roll your eyes.

First of all, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: yes, There There is a sad book. Like, really sad. It deals with themes of identity, trauma, loss, and violence in Native American communities, and it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of history and present-day struggles.

However, as we've shown you, the book is also full of moments of hope, resilience, humor, and beauty. There are characters who make you root for them, scenes that make you gasp or cry, and sentences that make you pause and reflect.

For instance, remember when Tony Loneman says, I never got over my first love. She used to wear this green dress that made her look like a watermelon Jolly Rancher? That line is so random and specific, yet so poignant and relatable. We've all had a crush on someone who wore something that made them stand out in our memory. And we've all felt the sting of unrequited love.

Speaking of Tony, he's one of the most complex and tragic characters in the book. He's born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which affects his physical and mental capabilities, and he's constantly reminded of his limitations by others. Yet, he's also capable of deep emotions, dreams, and insights.

When he reflects on his grandmother's teachings about the importance of stories, he says, I realized that maybe it was good to tell your story, even if it was a bad one...maybe it would help. That's a powerful message that applies to all of us, regardless of our background or struggles. Sharing our experiences and feelings can be cathartic and healing, both for ourselves and for others who might relate or learn from them.

Another character who stands out in the book is Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield, or Grandma. She's a force of nature, a matriarch who holds her family together despite all odds. She's also hilarious, sassy, and wise.

One of her best lines is when she talks to her grandson Orvil and tells him, You're a good boy. Maybe a little too curious for your own good, but that's alright. Curiosity is what gets us up in the morning. That's a great message for anyone who feels like they don't fit in or don't belong. Curiosity can be a superpower, a way to explore new ideas, meet new people, and discover new passions.

Of course, we can't forget about the titular phrase, There there. It's repeated several times throughout the book, often as a comforting gesture or a way to soothe someone's pain. But it's also a reminder of how language can be both powerful and powerless, depending on the context and the speaker.

As Tommy Orange writes, In the dark beside me, she smelled of sweat and sunshine and vanilla, and on that thin-mooned night I could see little more than her silhouette, but even in the dark, I could see her eyes – fierce emeralds. And not just beautiful, but hot too. Wait, sorry, wrong quote. That's from Twilight. Got confused for a moment.

Anyway, back to There there. It's a phrase that carries a lot of weight, a lot of history, and a lot of meaning. It's a way to acknowledge the pain and suffering of Native Americans, while also hinting at the resilience and strength that comes from surviving it. It's a way to connect with others who might feel lost or lonely, while also recognizing their unique experiences and perspectives.

So, what's the takeaway from all these There There quotes? That literature can be both heart-wrenching and hilarious, both serious and silly, both challenging and comforting. That stories can open our minds and hearts to new possibilities, new truths, and new ways of seeing the world. That laughter and tears are two sides of the same coin, and that we need both to fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of life.

And, most importantly, that you should never trust a blog post that doesn't use titles. Seriously, what kind of amateurish move is that? We're professionals here, folks. We know what we're doing. So, if you've enjoyed this article (or even if you haven't), please share it with your friends, family, enemies, and pets. And don't forget to come back for more witty banter and insightful commentary. We promise we won't disappoint you (again).

Thanks for reading, and keep on smiling! There there.

People Also Ask About There There Quotes

What are some memorable quotes from There There?

There are several memorable quotes from There There, including:

• We are the memories we don’t remember, which live in us, which we feel, which make us sing and dance and pray the way we do, feelings from memories that flare and bloom unexpectedly in our lives like blood through a blanket from a wound made by a bullet years ago. - Tommy Orange
• It’s hard to know how to explain to somebody, how it feels to feel like you’re clutching onto something that’s slipping away, something you can’t imagine living without. How do you explain that you’ll never again be the person you were before? - Jacquie Red Feather
• The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. It just keeps tightening, infinitely. - Dene Oxendene

What is the significance of the title There There?

The title There There is significant because it is a reference to a quote by Gertrude Stein about the city of Oakland: There is no there there. This quote refers to the idea that Oakland lacks a cohesive identity or center, and instead is a collection of disparate neighborhoods and communities. In using this quote as the title of his novel, author Tommy Orange is exploring the idea of identity and the ways in which Native Americans in particular struggle to find a sense of belonging and connection in contemporary society.

What themes are explored in There There?

There are several themes explored in There There, including:

1. Identity and belonging - particularly the struggles faced by Native Americans who have been displaced from their traditional lands and cultures.
2. Intergenerational trauma - the ways in which historical traumas such as genocide and forced relocation continue to impact Native communities today.
3. Violence and its aftermath - the characters in There There grapple with issues of domestic violence, addiction, and poverty that are all too common in many Native American communities.
4. The power of storytelling - throughout the novel, characters use storytelling to connect with one another, heal from trauma, and assert their own identities and histories.

Is There There a funny book?

While There There deals with serious themes and includes some heartbreaking moments, there are also many moments of humor throughout the novel. For example, one character describes his job as playing Indian at a local museum, which involves dressing up in full regalia and performing Native dances for tourists. Another character, who is trying to get sober, stumbles through a job interview while still under the influence of drugs. These moments of humor help to balance out the darker aspects of the novel and make it a more engaging and enjoyable read overall.