How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The VA set him up with a spot at the halfway house, a part-time sweep job at the hospital, benefit checks he forgot to cash and all the happy drugs he could stand. Added the occasional hit of crack cocaine. But now, eight months later, he was tired of being either jazzed or numb. (4.7)
We start out learning the truth about Jimmi's past and believing he wants to change; right away, we root for him. We want him to give up cocaine, too, especially because of the numbing effect it has on him.
Quote #2
He dumped his many antipsychotic meds into the toilet, grabbed his oversized skateboard and poetry slam notebooks and did a swan dive out the second-story window. A forward flip later he landed in a Dumpster soupy with wet cardboard and kitchen garbage. (4.9)
When Jimmi flushes his drugs in the toilet, we believe him that he wants to quit. The only problem? We're not sure he believes himself. He gets rid of the goods, but then he doesn't do anything else to help himself out.
Quote #3
Jimmi weaved in and out of the trackside trash. He wanted to rip away his skin. Was this physical withdrawal or his spirit's hunger? A knock of crack would help him get through to tomorrow— (8.2)
It's rough seeing Jimmi go through withdrawal, and the book doesn't sugarcoat thing when it comes to what it's like to be addicted to drugs. Jimmi goes through a tough time dealing with the aftermath of flushing his stash.