How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Then one time he surprised me and asked me about Bryce. Why was I so crazy about Bryce?
I told him about his eyes and his hair and the way his cheeks blush, but I don't think I explained it very well because when I was done Dad shook his head and told me in soft, heavy words that I needed to start looking at the whole landscape. (4.9-10)
When Juli's dad asks her why she's so into Bryce, she has a tough time giving a straight answer. Did you notice how she focuses mainly on physical traits? She likes his "eyes," his "hair," and those adorable blushing "cheeks." But what about his personality? And why do you think Mr. Baker says Juli doesn't yet see the "whole landscape"?
Quote #5
"Bryce, I asked you to conquer your fear, but all you did was give in to it. If you were in love with her, that would be one thing. Love is something to be afraid of, but this, this is embarrassing. So she talks too much, so she's too enthused about every little thing, so what? Get in, get your question answered, and get out. Stand up to her, for cryin' out loud!" (5.170)
When Bryce is nervous to ask Juli about her eggs, his dad gets seriously angry. But in the midst of this anger, Bryce's dad also starts to give us some hints about the real thing Bryce is afraid of. Yes Shmoopers, you guessed it—"love."
Quote #6
By the third time I brought eggs over to the Loskis, I realized that Bryce was waiting for me. Waiting to pull the door open and say, "Thanks, Juli," and then, "See you at school."
It was worth it. Even after Mrs. Helms and Mrs. Stueby offered me more money per dozen, it was still worth it. So, through the rest of sixth grade, through all of seventh grade and most of eighth, I delivered eggs to the Loskis. The very best, shiniest eggs went straight to the Loskis, and in return I got a few moments alone with the world's most dazzling eyes.
It was a bargain. (6.132-134)
It's been six years and Juli's crush is staying strong. She starts bringing the eggs to the Loskis to be neighborly… and getting to see Bryce is a huge bonus. But Juli's story has us cringing a little too, since we know Bryce is only waiting for Juli so he can through the eggs out before his parents find out—so what Juli sees as a sign of sweetness is actually a sign of sneakiness. Looks like sometimes love has its share of misunderstandings.