How we cite our quotes: (Page number)
Quote #4
"You know why they're staring, right?"
"It's either because I'm not black or because you're not Korean." His face is shadowed, but I can hear the smile in his voice.
"I'm serious," I say, frustrated. "Doesn't it bother you?" I'm not sure why I'm pursuing this. Maybe I want proof that if we had the chance to continue, we would survive the weight of the stares. (317-318)
Natasha and Daniel both believe their families would probably prefer for them to date people who share their cultural backgrounds so they’d understand each other more easily. However, love is blind, as they say—not “Natasha and Daniel” they, but the abstract they in charge of quaint advice. Plus, if this is how close they can get in a single day, we have a feeling that their interracial relationship would definitely survive judgy observers.
Quote #5
“Who cares what you want? The only thing that matters is what is good for you. Your mother and I only care about what is good for you. You go to school, you become a doctor, you be successful. Then you never have to work in a store like this. Then you have money and respect, and all the things you want will come. You find a nice girl and have children and you have the American Dream. Why would you throw your future away for temporary things that you only want right now?” (235)
Here’s a perfect snapshot of Dae Hyun’s outlook on life. While escaping poverty and becoming wealthy and respected was his American Dream, he’s never stopped to consider whether Daniel (or Charlie) might have a different perspective.
Quote #6
I'll be a great doctor with excellent bedside skills. I'll be perfectly happy. But something about Natasha makes me think my life could be extraordinary. (71)
Daniel’s not thrilled about his parents’ plan for his future, but since he doesn’t really know what he wants to do, he’s all set to go along with it and make them happy. Thankfully—or unfortunately, depending on your perspective—he meets Natasha just in time, and their single day together changes his life forever.