Ninth grade is five months from now / when you and Coby have vowed / to have a girlfriend or die.
-- Narrator (Nick) (Part 2)

Importance: This brief quote outlines an important underlying element in Nick's perspective on himself and his personal goals as the narrative begins.

… and now / the most dangerous player / on the rival soccer club / also happens to be / your best friend.”
-- Narrator (Nick) (Part 2)

Importance: This quote sets up a key dynamic in the personal friendship / rivalry between Nick and Coby, Nick's his best friend and confidante.

You’re thinking / of April-Dallas-Anything / to avoid / reading // the last few dreadful pages / of this dreadful book / … / You’re in a brick-hard / cushion-less seat. / Exercising. Your eyes. / Bored.
-- Narrator (Nick) (Part 2)

Importance: This quote sums up the complexity of situations Nick experiences throughout the novel: his friendship-slash-rivalry with Coby, his desperate attraction to April, his love of soccer, and his deep resentment of his father's influence on his life.

Do me a favor and...
-- Nick's Father (Part 2)