How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I was proud of my sister, but that year, something began to rankle beneath the pride. Life begins to turn upside down at thirteen. I know that now. But at the time I thought the blame for my unhappiness must be fixed—on Caroline, on my grandmother, on my mother, even on myself. Soon I was able to blame the war. (2.31)
Louise has always sort of gone along with being the second-best daughter in the family, but once she becomes a teenager, things are different. Growing up can make something that once seemed little turn into a really big deal.
Quote #2
"The Japanese in a predawn surprise attack have destroyed the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. I repeat. The White House has confirmed that the Japanese …"
I knew by the chill that went through my body that it meant war. All my magazine reading and overheard remarks fell at once into a grotesque but understandable pattern. I rushed up to our room where Caroline, still innocent and golden, lay stomach down on her bed reading. (3.5-6)
This is the moment where the veil of childhood really drops from Louise's eyes. There's a war going on, and the Japanese have attacked America. It's a real grown-up thing, and she only has Caroline to share it with. Luckily, the girls manage to stay civil long enough to lose their innocence.
Quote #3
Nothing went right for me that summer, unless you count the fact that when my periods began, almost a year after Caroline's of course, they began on a Sunday morning before I left the house for church instead of after, but the stain went clear through my pants and slip to my only good dress. Momma let me pretend to be sick. What else could she do? I couldn't wash and dry my dress in time for Sunday school. (7.42)
It might be lovely to be a woman, but not when it happens all over your best dress. Poor Louise. She cannot catch a break that summer, and her body and mind are changing faster than she's ready for.