How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Last week, there were 400 people in the Senior Class. Today there are 399. One student became a statistic when he lost his life in an accident involving drinking and driving. Usually, statistics don't mean much, but this statistic had a name, a face, a basketball jersey, and friends. (6.13)
For the seniors at Hazelwood High, this death isn't a statistic, it's their friend that they lost. It hurts all the more because so many of the students—and all of the characters who we get to know—are close with Robbie.
Quote #2
"Anyway, the first day I saw him, he was pickin' his hair out with his red pick and diamond-lookin' things on it. I went over to him, and said, 'Won't yo' mama get mad when she finds out you took her pick?' He slowly put the pick in his back pocket, slowly looked at me, and then proceeded to beat the snot out of me. We've been tight ever since." (7.14)
To his coach, Andy shares about the first time he met Robbie and how they became friends. It's good for us to hear this backstory, but also good for Andy to remember the good times he had with Robbie before the accident.
Quote #3
"It's me, brother. Your main man, Roberto. And yes, I'm cold. Very cold. It's no fun bein' dead."
"I'm sorry, Rob. You know I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Understood, my man. But when're you comin' to keep me company?" (21.67-69)
Dreaming about Rob, Andy thinks about how close he was to his buddy. He also imagines how lonely Robbie is without him in heaven, which only makes him feel guiltier.