My dad may not look the part, but as of today, he’s the number two guy on the island.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Moose describes how his father is beginning his job as associate warden on Alcatraz. He contrasts his father’s physical appearance with that of another guard whom Moose describes as being big and bulky. Moose says his father is small and slender.

The trouble with Piper is I like her outsides, but not her insides.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2 paragraph 12)

Importance: Moose admits that he is attracted to Piper because she is pretty. However, he does not like her haughty attitude.

I rise up inside myself. ‘You’re dead wrong, ma’am. She’s better than normal. You just can’t see it, that’s all.
-- Moose (Chapter 4)

Importance: When Bea accuses Moose’s sister Nat of setting a fire and not being normal, Moose steps forward to defend his sister and let Bea know how small minded she...