How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
[Mom] said that sexual assault was a crime of perception. (3.13.43)
Mom's attitude suggests that being the victim of sexual assault is a critical part of growing up. Um…we're just going to say right now that Mom is wrong. But moving on, it seems that everyone in this book—even Dad—was a victim of sexual assault at a critical part of growing up, but the book doesn't explore the trauma. Maybe because of Mom's attitude, Jeannette, too, lets it roll off her back.
Quote #8
"I'm not that kind of girl." (3.20.58)
Every coming-of-age story needs an awkward sex scene, and Jeannette being used as a prostitute for one of her dad's friends is one of the more awkward. Luckily, our Jeannette is able to fend off the creep.
Quote #9
"It was like that time I threw you into the sulfur spring to teach you to swim," [Dad] said. "You might have been convinced you were going to drown, but I knew you'd do just fine." (3.20.69)
Mom and Dad's parenting style is a double-edged sword. Jeannette isn't really able to enjoy her childhood, but she grows up more quickly and becomes more self-sufficient than she would have in an overprotective environment.