How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But just for one moment I think of those first nights in dorm five years ago, when Raffaela and I lay side by side and she listened to a tale that I have no memory of today about my life in the city. I'll always remember the look of horror on her face. "Taylor Markham," she had said, "I'm going to say a prayer for you." And although I wanted to mock her and explain that I didn't believe in anything or anyone, I realized that no one had ever prayed for me before. So I let her. (1.11)
Raffaela's spiritual personality is probably one thing that drew Taylor to become her friend when Taylor arrived in the dorms. Regardless of Taylor's lack of religious beliefs, her friend's compassion must have been a breath of fresh air after what she'd just been through.
Quote #2
I lie in bed and words silently tumble out of my mouth. Some people say their prayers at night. I don't. What I always say is the same. My name is Taylor Markham. I live on the Jellicoe Road. (6.54)
It may not be your traditional "Now I lay me down to sleep" bedtime prayer, but Taylor's recitation of her name and address is a prayer in and of itself. After living in chaos without any stability or consistency for the previous years of her life, it's a prayer that she will continue to develop a single identity rather than be shuffled around and renamed—a prayer that she will know who she is.
Quote #3
"I swear to God, if you go out there it will change your perspective on the world."
"Don't believe in God. Love the world just the way it is." (9.20-21)
We're not theologians, but we do wonder if Taylor's aversion to religion is related to her lack of connection with people. As a Christian, Raffaela belongs to a faith where relationships, both with God and others, form the core of her beliefs. If Taylor doesn't want to be close to people, it makes sense that she would forgo the idea of religion altogether.