"So Amanda no longer ran to feel free or feel good: she began to run for a purpose - for success in running, and a year later, success in getting into Dartmouth. By now this had become her mother's goal for her" (Chapter 10, pg. 54.)

"And in the months between the evil April day and this lush night of a warm October, her mother had worked unceasingly to convince Amanda that she had to remove what was really a stain on her reputation, her honor, even, one that 'can follow you all through life, one that you will never forget'" (Chapter 12, pg. 68.)

"Do not let yourself down, don't wind up in some little jerkwater college no one ever heard of, do you know what that means? Amanda hung up on her" (Chapter 16, pg. 96.)

"For Amanda they were grades, and more grades; times and placings in athletic completions; honors; awards...