Find quotes from this novel, with commentary from Shmoop. Pick a theme below to begin.
Dissatisfaction Quotes
To have a reason to get up in the morning, it is necessary to possess a guiding principle. A believe of some kind. A bumper sticker, if you will. (1.1)
Isolation Quotes
They do not discuss a problem in the presence of the problem. (1.9)
Family Quotes
"He goes off every day looking like a bum, Cal." (2.6)
Guilt and Blame Quotes
"I'm not even talking about blame, I'm talking about being available." (4.32)
Identity Quotes
Lying on his back in bed, he gazes around the walls of his room, musing about what has happened to his collection of statements. […] Gone now. (1.2)
Coming of Age Quotes
Growing up is serious business. He, Cal, would not be young again, not for anything. And not without sponsors: a mother and father, good fortune. God. (2.75)
Friendship Quotes
Conrad feels the slow, rolling pressure of panic building inside himself. (3.18)
Mortality Quotes
He wills his mind to slip over it, a blur of gold leaves and green grass sliding, sliding as they turn into the parking lot behind the school. (3.28)