How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
That's why I'm telling Vera everything about me and Sindy now. I'm giving her a chance to evade her destiny. The trick is remembering that change is as easy as you make it. The trick is remembering that you are the boss of you. (1.6.15)
Even though Vera may have some genetic proclivities working against her, her dad wants her to know that she can overcome them. She can become her own person and live a good life as long as she tries hard.
Quote #2
The thing you don't see while you're still there on Earth is how easy it is to change your mind. When you're in it and you're mixed up with feelings, assumptions, influences, and misconceptions, things seem completely impossible to change. From here, you see that change is as easy as flicking a light switch in your brain. (1.14.3)
Charlie realizes that he was wrong to assume that he had no say in the way his life turned out, and to think that he'd just end up like his dad or mom. He did have a choice; he just ended up making the wrong one. And look where it's gotten him now.
Quote #3
I think of my mom. Is this how it started with her Are there baby steps toward complete loserdom, and if so, how many are there to go? (2.1.24)
Like Charlie, Vera worries that she's just going to end up like her parents, particularly her mom, who shirks responsibility and doesn't want anything to do with her family. But we as the reader know that she can escape that fate; she just has to make the right choices.