How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I smoked in those days because, like everyone else in the world who smokes, I wanted to die at least as much as I wanted to live. (3.18.2)
Your health teacher could print some bumper stickers with this doozy and clear the ashtrays for miles. Now that pretty much everybody knows that smoking will kill you, it's only logical that anyone who smokes must not care too much about dying. It's either that, or they're in denial.
Quote #8
The couple was awake and sullen and angry with us, despite the girl's earlier plea for help, because we'd disturbed the pleasure of their stone. (3.19.60)
Lin's past as a heroin addict comes in handy when he has to revive an overdosed tourist. But there's no thanks in that dirty job. Even though, on some level, the couple must be glad they survived, they're more worried about the interruption of their drug vacation than about showing their gratitude.
Quote #9
Heroin is a sensory deprivation tank for the soul. Floating on the Dead Sea of the drug stone, there's no sense of pain, no regret or shame, no feelings of guilt or grief, no depression, and no desire. (4.30.1)
Lin goes back to heroin when he leaves Karla and, if the term "sensory deprivation tank for the soul" is any indication, it was to escape from his powerful emotions and feelings of loss. The Dead Sea is so salty that you can float in its waters, and when he's high Lin doesn't have to make any effort whatsoever, just bobbing along.