How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Flora knew what was happening. She had read about it in TERRIBLE THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! It was the calm before the storm: The air becomes still. The birds stop singing. The world waits. (33.8)
In the diner, Flora tries to predict what will happen based on her reading. It's funny that she's so obsessed with learning how to react in a tough situation, because her dad is lonely and needs a friend, yet she can't see it. She's too focused on becoming intelligent.
Quote #8
"Bah, cynics," said Dr. Meescham. "Cynics are people who are afraid to believe." She waved her hand in front of her face as if she were brushing away a fly. (39.29)
Ouch. Dr. Meescham has no problem telling Flora what she really thinks, and we love her for it. Flora is so busy trying to be cynical and read up on disasters that she doesn't experience the life that's right in front of her.
Quote #9
I've never been what you would call coordinated or spatially intelligent. It's not even that I bump into things. It's more that things leap out of nowhere and bump into me. My mother says that this is because I live in my head as opposed to living in the world. But I ask you: Don't we all live in our heads? (47.29)
William Spiver talks about the different types of being smart, and while he might not be able to catch a ball or throw well, but he sure knows his share of facts. We see that being clever comes with a downside, but it also makes you think deeper and harder about stuff that others miss.