From the beginning, though, it was apparent that Leo would go where no one predicted. He was far more erratic, and deadly.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Grisham personifies Hurricane Leo, making it appear that it is a person instead of a tropical storm by using the pronoun "he" when referring to the storm. Grisham also indicates that Hurricane Leo was unpredictable, indicating that Camino Island is in danger even if forecasters do not readily realize that island is in the hurricane’s path.

Looks like the limb hit him at least three times. Want to explain that?
-- Nick (Chapter 2)

Importance: Even though Bruce and Bob hesitate to turn Nelson over and look at his injuries, Nick insists that they do so. When he examines Nelson, he sees that it appears that Nelson was hit in the head three times. Nick indicates in this quote that it would be impossible for the same branch to hit Nelson that...