Barry Cohen, a man with 2.4 billion dollars of assets under management, staggered into the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This line of narration is the very first line of the novel. It not only establishes the scene, but it also emphasizes the dissonance between Barry's wealth and his presence in the bus terminal. This juxtaposition foreshadows Barry's attempt to eschew his wealth and life in favor of a chance at reinvention and personal rediscovery.

He had to assume full responsibility. No Sandy.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: Barry has these thoughts as he throws away his cell phone. Barry wants to take full responsibility for his attempt at a new life, and thus he does not wish to rely on his wealth and influence. Ironically, Barry's entire reason for leaving the city is that he does not wish to take responsibility for parenting his child or for the consequences of the illegal stock trades that he...