How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Park's family didn't fit. They were the Cleavers. And he'd told her that his grandparents lived in the house next door, which had flower boxes, for Christ's sake. His family was practically the Waltons.
Eleanor's family had been messed up even before Richie came around and sent everything straight to hell. (21.122-123)
Some amazing perspective from Eleanor—she feels like her messed-up family at least helps her fit into the neighborhood. She can't believe a nice, well-adjusted family like Park's actually exists in the Flats.
Quote #8
She told herself that Park's family must be decent people because they'd raised a person like Park. Never mind that this principle didn't hold true in her own family. (27.41)
A totally crucial idea: Eleanor imagines that Park's family must be a nice family because of Park, even though she knows that's not true in her own family. Why do you think Eleanor believes this?
Quote #9
"We're a family, Eleanor. All of us. Richie, too. And I'm sorry that that makes you so unhappy. I'm sorry that things aren't perfect here all the time for you... But this is our life now. You can't keep throwing tantrums about it, you can't keep trying to undermine this family... I won't let you."
[…]
She almost sounded sane, Eleanor thought. If you didn't know that she was acting rational on the far side of crazy. (32.39-42)
So Sabrina thinks Eleanor's undermining the family? Is that really what's happening in Eleanor's house? Something doesn't line up. Do you think Sabrina is right, to try to bring Richie and the kids together? Do you think she has a choice?