Meghan O'Rourke Quotes

A collection of quotes by Meghan O'Rourke.

Meghan O'Rourke is an American writer, poet, and editor. Born in 1976, she grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. O'Rourke attended Yale University, where she studied English literature and graduated with a Bachelor's degree.

As a writer, Meghan O'Rourke has displayed her versatility by working across different genres. She has published several books, including the poetry collection "Halflife" in 2007, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her memoir, "The Long Goodbye," published in 2011, garnered critical acclaim for its poignant exploration of grief and loss following the death of her mother. O'Rourke's ability to introspectively delve into personal experiences while crafting eloquent prose has resonated with readers.

In addition to her own writing, Meghan O'Rourke has also made significant contributions as an editor and literary critic. She served as a poetry editor for "The Paris Review" and held the position of culture editor and literary critic at "Slate" magazine. O'Rourke's thoughtful and insightful analysis of literature and culture has earned her recognition within the literary community.

Through her writings and editorial work, Meghan O'Rourke has established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary American literature. Her powerful expression of emotion and nuanced examination of complex topics have solidified her reputation as a skilled writer and a keen observer of the human experience.

My whole life, I had been taught to read and study, to seek

My whole life, I had been taught to read and study, to seek understanding in knowledge of history, of cultures.

Meghan O'Rourke


My mother died of metastatic colorectal cancer shortly befor

My mother died of metastatic colorectal cancer shortly before three P.M. on Christmas Day of 2008. I don't know the exact time of her death, because none of us thought to look at a clock for a while after she stopped breathing.

Meghan O'Rourke

Christmas

It's all too easy when talking about female gymnasts to fall

It's all too easy when talking about female gymnasts to fall into the trap of infantilizing them, spending more time worrying more about female vulnerability than we do celebrating female strength.

Meghan O'Rourke

Strength

But there is a discomfort that surrounds grief. It makes eve

But there is a discomfort that surrounds grief. It makes even the most well-intentioned people unsure of what to say. And so many of the freshly bereaved end up feeling even more alone.

Meghan O'Rourke

Alone

Grief is a bad moon, a sleeper wave. It's like having an inn

Grief is a bad moon, a sleeper wave. It's like having an inner combatant, a saboteur who, at the slightest change in the sunlight, or at the first notes of a jingle for a dog food commercial, will flick the memory switch, bringing tears to your eyes.

Meghan O'Rourke

Food