How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I had another talking trick that worked almost the same as tossing a pencil in the air or saying the words at the same time somebody else did. Talking was easier for me in a swing if I go the timing right and pushed off at the same time I started to say a word. I did this with Mam some and she said I ought to practice swinging and talking more because it smoothed my words out but there usually weren't many swings handy when I needed to talk to somebody. (5.37)
Victor has physical tricks that help him forget about his stutter momentarily, too. He throws things while saying a word, or swings at the same time. All of this helps him not overthink language and communication, and instead just let the words out.
Quote #8
Most grown-ups and especially my relatives and friends of my parents treated me about as well as could be expected without them knowing exactly what I was going through when I tried to talk. Some people tried to finish sentences for me and mostly would get them wrong. Some people just smiled a fake smile and waited on me to get my words out while they were looking around the room. (5.44)
The annoying thing about having a stutter is that other people get weird about it. Victor has to deal with grown-ups who do things like try to finish his sentences—and get it all wrong. Ugh.
Quote #9
That was the first time anybody had ever told me that I had a fighting chance. Even my teacher. The day I first met her I asked how long it would take for her to teach me to talk like a regular kid and she said just to do my exercises and not worry about the future. How could I not worry about my future if I was going to be stuttering all the time in it? (5.53)
He doesn't know Mr. Spiro that well, but Victor believes him when he says that someday, Victor won't stutter anymore. It's a relief to hear because he's always worried about stuttering for the rest of his life.