She wanted no more of the useless drama of life.
-- Narrator (I)

Importance: This quote explains Josie’s need to run away to Alaska. She has grown tired of her life in Ohio and the stress brought on by the drama of her relationship with Carl and the lawsuit filed by Evelyn. She is also tired of the drama of everyday life, such as being judged by other parents for her parenting skills or having to continuously spend money.

She had been comfortable, and comfort is the death of the soul, which is by nature searching, insistent, unsatisfied.
-- Narrator (I)

Importance: Josie had once been in the Peace Corps and she sometimes longs for that lifestyle again. She believes that when she began living a comfortable life as a dentist and a mother, she lost a piece of herself. She never feels like she is in the right place and attributes this to her need to...