If only I could break the glass separating me and Manman with my thoughts alone."
-- Fabiola (chapter 1)

Importance: This is the first line of the novel. It establishes the sense of longing and tragedy regarding Fabiola's separation from her mother, thereby establishing this separation as a central facet of the plot and narrative. The sad tone of the line also establishes the novel's overall tone of emotional immediacy.

Pri’s mouth is so dirty. Since my mother isn't here, I want to grab her little lips and twist them myself.
-- Fabiola (chapter 4)

Importance: Fabiola thinks this as she interacts with her cousins in their home in Detroit. Fabiola's thoughts illuminate the strictness of her upbringing in Haiti and cultural differences between her and her more free-spirited cousins.

Chantal is the brains, Donna is the beauty, and me, I’m the brawn. Three Bees. The biggest, baddest bitches from the west side. Nobody, I mean nobody, fucks...
-- Princess (chapter 4)