I was getting greedy, I think. Having her wait up for me, punish me, give more than half a shit about my choice of boyfriend. It made me want more from her.
-- Ivy (Part I: Chapter One)

Importance: This quote establishes the poor relationship between Ivy and her mother, Dana. Narratively, this sentence is extremely well done because it forces the reader to interpret Ivy’s frustration and gives a foundation for the struggles that will be built up on as the novel progresses. However, this quote also shows how Ivy is desperate for her mother’s love despite her anger at being ignored, foreshadowing her willingness to try and help Marion much later in the novel as Dana refuses to tell Ivy the truth out of fear for what dangers it might bring.

We were angry before Marion came, even if we didn’t know it. At our dads, at our dead moms, at ourselves...
-- Dana (Part I: Chapter Seven)