He is my favorite person, the one who somehow sees me both as I want to be seen and as I actually am, the one whose belief in me over the years has been the most earned (he is not my parent), the most pure (he is not my boyfriend), and the most forgiving (he is my friend)."
-- Narration (Part I)

Importance: This quote highlights the emotional intimacy and trust in Crosley’s friendship with Russell. It underscores the theme of friendship as a unique form of love and support that is distinct from familial or romantic bonds. The emphasis on Russell’s forgiving nature and genuine belief in her character reveals Crosley’s reliance on him for both validation and acceptance, setting the foundation for the memoir’s exploration of loss and grief centered around their connection.

He adores tales of my wicked and miserly grandmother, of her Joan Crawford joie de vivre...
-- Narration (Part I )