Despite a countywide search and dozens of tips from concerned citizens, there has been no progress in the case of two abducted Castle County girls.
-- Narrator (Chapter 3)

Importance: While still in her office in Washington, D.C., Gwendy reads a newspaper article her mother forwarded to her about two Castle County girls who had been abducted. The incorporation of this newspaper article insinuates that the abduction of the girls will be important to Gwendy’s story.

I’m really not. I’m old and fussy and don’t much care for most of humanity, but you’re different, Gwennie. You’re special.
-- Patsy (Chapter 6)

Importance: Patsy is an elderly congresswoman who believes there is something special about Gwendy that she has not encountered in other people. Gwendy has criticized Patsy for yelling at another congressman after that man belittled Gwendy.

The book Harold gave her is Gravity’s Rainbow. It’s the same novel Richard Farris...
-- Narrator (Chapter 17)