“You’re not weak because you can’t read. You’re weak because you’re afraid of people seeing your weakness. You’re letting shame decide who you are. … We can endure all kinds of pain. It’s shame that eats men whole.” -Leigh Bardugo, Crooked Kingdom, page 283

This quote was said by Kaz Brekker to Wylan Van Eck, two of Crooked Kingdom’s main characters. Wylan has dyslexia, which has been the source of many of his insecurities and traumas. Kaz is telling him that his disability is not what is restricting him, but it is his shame that is. I think this is a meaningful quote because 90% of the time a disability or characteristic someone has is not what is holding them back, but it is the insecurity and shame they feel towards it that holds them back. All in all this is a very blunt motivational quote that I think holds great meaning for a lot of people. Though it may not be what they want to hear, it’s what they need to hear.