"It's like, against parental law to tell your kid it's okay to ditch someone, no matter how annoying or muddy they might be." (Chapter 1, p. 2).

"[Juli] has got no concept of personal space. No respect for privacy. The world is her playground, and watch out below—Juli's on the slide!" (Chapter 1, p. 4).

"And for the first time in my life, I had that feeling. You know, like the world is moving all around you, all beneath you, all inside you, and you're floating. Floating in midair." (Chapter 2, p. 14).

"Was I really afraid of hurting her feelings? Or was I afraid of her?" (Chapter 5, p. 62).

"One's character is set at an early age, son. The choices you make now will affect you for the rest of your life. (Chapter 7, p. 85).

"Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss. But every once in a...