How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I don't remember when my mom decided Natalie was going to stay ten. But I think it might have been then. (11.18)
This is the dangerous kind of lie: Mom pretends that Natalie is always ten because it's easier to have a ten-year-old with special needs than a teenager. She thinks that she's making her life easier, and Natalie's as well, but it's never the best choice to hide from the truth. Reality can't be avoided forever.
Quote #5
With Natalie, there is never a happy ending. But my mom won't ever believe that. (11.34)
Mom has a hard time dealing with Natalie. She's the kind of woman who likes to find answers, and she refuses to accept that some things won't change. Although it's a good thing to stay positive, positive thinking is best when it's rooted in reality. Otherwise you end up convincing yourself of something that's not true, and in the end, this only leads to big disappointments.
Quote #6
"This is the United States of America—we don't have firing squads," I explain.
"Yeah, that's not how we knock people off here. We fry 'em. I've read all about it. It's like this…" A skinny kid shakes all over to demonstrate. (12.78-79)
Here we have another example of the kids telling tales at school. The kids are really starting to buy into these stories, and they're all swapping "facts" about how America treats criminals. What a mess.