How we cite our quotes: (Poem Title, Stanza)
Quote #7
I considered the Reno crank scene, or what I knew of it. Legit entertainment—music, magic, comedy clubs. Legit and semi-legit—gaming, sports betting, late night carousing. Legal, semi-immoral—adult revues (aka "titty clubs"), gay clubs, strip clubs, swap clubs, beyond-the-city-limits prostitution. Such activities, 24-7, practically invited the monster's participation. (I Considered.1-6)
This is where the book's setting plays a pretty important role—living close by a city where shady activities go down on an hourly basis only makes it easier for Kristina to dive further into her obsession with the monster.
Quote #8
I mean, I'd thought about the monster, dreamed about the monster, lusted for the monster, regretted knowing the monster, but I hadn't touched the monster in over a month.
Hadn't even seen it.
Thought I might be over it. Was it still alive in me?
Could it still have such a solid hold on me? (Did It Show.1-4)
The fact that Kristina can be away from meth for a month but still feel an extreme desire for it shows the dangerous hold the drug can have on users. Even after only using it a couple of times, it's impossible to escape.
Quote #9
You know how waking up to perfect skies, enough sunshine to warm you, not enough to bake you, or watching a silent fall of quarter-sized snowflakes gives you delicious shivers of pleasure? Somewhere on my stroll with the monster, I'd lost these things. (Problem Number Four: Feeling Good.5-7)
This has got to be one of the saddest lines in a book full of really dark moments. Imagine having the joy and admiration you feel at small things in life totally sucked out of you to the point where you can no long take pleasure in them at all. That's what addiction does to Kristina.