How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Next thing he's clearing his throat and coughing into his fist and Gram is looking at the two of us and she gets this Gram-like glow, like this is how it's supposed to be […] with the family getting all gooey and sentimental. (8.8)
This isn't the first—or last—time that Max speaks disdainfully about family. Where else do we see it? And why do you think he does it?
Quote #5
"That stuff about my father was true," Freak says, studying his fingernails and acting real cool again […] "I know he ran away because of me." (12.6)
We wish the bonding moment would come under different circumstances, but Max and Freak share the unfortunate fact of having absent fathers. How are their fathers similar? How are they different?
Quote #6
Just to prove what a jerk he is, I tie up the laces and that makes Gram happy. (12.18)
As much as Max tries to distance himself from his grandparents, we're pretty sure he still cares about them. Maybe the loner thing isn't all a big act, but it certainly doesn't define him. Max knows what's really important in life.