Genes are not water...Biologically, he is and always will be the child of those people.
-- Eugene (chapter 1 paragraph 82)

Importance: Eugene says this when Max runs away. The quote shows their negative view of adoption even though Alex has been with them for eight years and raises the nature vs. nurture issue. Is Max behaving as he is because he is genetically inclined to do so? Eugene believes that this is the case.

Diabolical because now how will Maya know whether she said yes to the man or the country?
-- Narrator (chapter 2 paragraph 102)

Importance: This quote shows what Maya's mother is thinking when she comes to the United States for Maya's wedding. She realizes that, because Maya's visa is about to expire, she has to move quickly and thus does not have the time to find out how she really feels about Alex. Thus it is hard for even Maya to know if she her decision to marry...