How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The water inched up his legs, which were crossed and folded into the tub. He did recognize, albeit faintly, that he was too long, and too big, for this bathtub—he looked like a mostly grown person playing at being a kid. (1.1)
In the bath, Colin thinks about how he's already grown up but stuck in a kid's body. Doesn't that describe Colin all the time? He never acts like an adult, and he's so self-absorbed and moody that it's hard to think of him as one.
Quote #2
"A road trip," Colin said. He had an overstuffed duffel bag at his feet and a backpack stretched taut, which contained only books. He and Hassan were sitting on a black leather couch. Colin's parents sat across from them on an identical couch. Colin's mother shook her head rhythmically, like a disapproving metronome.
"To where?" she asked. "And why?" (3.1-2)
Cue the eye roll. Parents can be so parental sometimes. And, of course, Colin's mom's concerns aren't shared by Colin and Hassan. They don't want to answer these practical and responsible questions—they just want to roam free and have fun.
Quote #3
"No offense, Mrs. Singleton," Hassan said, putting his feet up on the coffee table (which you were not allowed to do), "but you're sort of missing the point. There is no where or why." (3.1)
Irony, anyone? There's a contrast here between (1) what Hassan says and (2) what Hassan does. He's saying that they should be allowed to go off wherever and whenever they want because they're adults, but what he does is break the rules (by putting his feet on the table) and act immature. We're pretty sure both of those are frowned upon in adult-land.