How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
With Danny walking just behind us, I was reminded how big he was, and how tiny Cheryl was; it made me feel safe to have him standing over me and it made me feel like her protector to be standing next to her, and just then I didn't give a s*** that a normal guy wouldn't be with the Madmen. Normal is still important, I'm still going to be normal, but normal isn't everything. It was my new idea. (3.55)
We may see Karl dead set on being normal from the opening of the book, but it's kind of glorious to see him have these moments where he tries to compromise and have it all. Fact is, he can't be "normal" and still be loyal to his friends.
Quote #2
None of us ever narked, because we knew it wouldn't help. I mean, what was I going to do, have them take my mom away, lose our house, lose everything? What would Cheryl do if they arrested her grandfather and her parents threw her and Samantha out of the house? And could anyone expect Squid to send his dad back to prison? I mean, yeah. He sure as s*** deserved it. But it was his dad. (3.89)
Jeez, is this a bizarre-o paradox or what? Imagine having your parents put you in a compromising position and not being able to tell anyone out of fear of having your life totally uprooted. These kids' loyalty to their families, even in the midst of suffering, is an aspect of this book that we're sure readers have trouble wrapping their minds around.
Quote #3
I really remembered how much it helped to have Paul there standing next to me. Maybe because Mom was being so weird and quiet, maybe because everyone was just walking up to me and saying, "I'm sorry," and then walking away like they were afraid I might talk, maybe just because it was a friend who was there for me. After the graveside service he touched my shoulder and said he'd come by the next day. When he did, he just sat with me all day, not talking, which for Paul was like not breathing. (4.41)
Paul and Karl's friendship began with their dads' own friendship, so it seems only fitting that he would be the one standing at Karl's side at his dad's funeral. After growing up with two alcoholic parents, then briefly getting his dad back only to lose him, Karl finds that his best friend's loyalty helps him cope with an impossible situation.