How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
A shawl was wrapped around them both, and from a distance, because Lia's body lay stuff and motionless against her mother's, they looked like a single person. (15.1)
Pretty powerful image, dontcha think? In many ways, Foua views Lia as an extension of herself and she's always willing to sacrifice her own well-being for her daughter's. You can attribute that to Hmong culture if you'd like, but we think that Foua is just one cool lady. And it's not even a helicopter-mom sorta thing—this kid is sick, and her mom is doing what she's got to.
Quote #8
Still, none of the Lees, even the teenagers, ever seemed embarrassed by Lia, as most of the American children I knew might be. (15.24)
How heart-warming. The Lees never look at Lia as a burden, instead treating her condition like a badge of honor. As an author from an American background, Anne Fadiman can see the contrast that poses to some U.S. families that might react differently to a disability. Kinda makes you think about certain cultural values, eh?
Quote #9
"We don't have everything in the world, but we do have the closeness of us eight sisters, one brother, and our parents. This is the coolest family ever." (17.1)
How often do you hear something like that from an American teenager? Despite the fact that their childhood was filled more medical chaos than an episode of House, the Lee children only love their family more for the struggle. Oh jeez, is someone cutting an onion in here?