How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #4
I hoped he decided I was normal, after all. I lived in New York for eleven and a half years and I don't think anybody ever asked me about my religion. I never even thought about it. Now all of a sudden, it was the big thing in my life. (6.11)
There are all sorts of differences between urban and suburban life, and in Margaret's experience people caring about your religion is a pretty major one.
Quote #5
If I could figure out which religion to be I'd know if I wanted to join the Y or the Jewish Community Center. That was meaningful, wasn't it? I'd have to think about it.
Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. What would you think of me doing a project on religion? You wouldn't mind, would you God? I'd tell you all about it. And I won't make any decisions without asking you first. I think it's time for me to decide what to be. I can't go on being nothing forever, can I? (8.3-4)
Margaret seems to be on the fence about whether or not having a religion is actually important. Instead of saying it's meaningful, she asks if it is; and instead of saying she can go on chatting with God the way she's been doing forever, she asks him if he thinks that's okay.
Quote #6
So I asked her, "Can I got to temple with you sometime?"
Grandma absolutely stared at me. I never knew anyone could open her eyes so wide.
"What are you saying? Are you saying you want to be Jewish?" She held her breath.
"No. I'm saying I'd like to go to temple and see what it's all about."
"My Margaret!" Grandma threw her arms around me. I think the cab driver thought we were crazy. "I knew you were a Jewish Girl at heart! I always knew it!" (8.18-22)
We're willing to bet Grandma Sylvia's green eye shadow that she'll love Margaret no matter what. So why does she care so much if Margaret is Jewish?