"As a young teenager I looked desperately for things to read that might excuse me or assure me I wasn't the only one, that might confirm an identity I was unhappily piecing together"

This quote by Edmund White speaks to the battles of teenage years and also the search for identity. As a young teen, White was searching for something to review that might provide him with a feeling of convenience and assurance that he was not alone in his struggles. He was attempting to assemble an identification for himself, however was feeling miserable in the process. This quote speaks with the power of literary works in providing relief as well as understanding to those who are battling to find their area in the world. It is a tip that publications can be a source of comfort and understanding, as well as can give a sense of belonging to those who are feeling shed.