How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
His essay is about the summer he stayed with the Coven at a house in Nantucket. The house had been his father's before he lost it to the first Mrs. Wentworth in the divorce settlement. James was nine that summer, and his parents were on a six-week tour of Asia. Each sister let him know how she held his mother responsible for breaking up her parents marriage. The essay is funny and sad and mean. It makes you feel horrible for James's mother, but also for the sisters. It makes you want to run a knife through Mr. Wentworth. (10.52)
What does it say about James that he can take something as depressing as his family history and write an essay that comes off as funny?
Quote #11
"I don't know anything," I say.
"Right," Link says. "Neither do they. I just have to remind them of that."
As if any of us needs reminding. Sometimes we are a family made up of people who know each other, but more and more often we are strangers who occasionally realize we are still living together.
(11.60-62)
This is why communication is so important: If there was an open line between Link and his parents, do you think he would've had to leave his exams blank as a bold statement? Probably not.
Quote #12
It occurs to me that the person who has taught me the most about the art of evasive language and behavior is neither of my skilled parents but my brother. How strange that we should have this crucial bit in common and yet be so different. So separate. (14.15)
It's practically the older sibling's job to teach the younger kid how to be evasive with their parents. However, where do you think Link learned it from? We're thinking it might've been a survival response to their dad.