How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Well, I can't say I never lie. I mean I don't always tell my parents the whole truth, but nobody does that. I don't lie to my friends." As I said it I was actually picturing this large group of people to whom I am forever honest and loyal, instead of lonely old Brian, to whom I'll say almost anything. Even my imagination lies. (2.64)
Even John's promise not to lie contains a lie. He knows he has a problem with lying, which is why it's a match made in heaven when he meets Marisol: She makes it so he can no longer hide behind the half-truths and silence that he uses with his parents all the time. Now, he has to confront the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Quote #5
"Do you know what 'coming out' really means?" she asked, looking me square in the face again. "It means you stop lying. You tell the truth even if it's painful, especially if it's painful. To everybody, your parents included." (2.65)
Marisol's observation that coming out is about being truthful hits John hard. He's not truthful with his parents about what he thinks of them or how their divorce makes him feel. As it turns out, he needs to come out himself.
Quote #6
I kept thinking, how could anybody know so much about themselves? And about their parents! (4.13)
When he reads Escape Velocity, John is shocked by Marisol's self-confidence and self-awareness. He's never met someone so sure of themselves, and it's all the more powerful because of how open and honest Marisol is about who she is in her zine. She doesn't just know herself—she shares.