I sometimes think to myself that I’m the last of my kind.
-- Ira (Chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote not only describes Ira as a Southerner and a Jew, but it reflects Ira’s deep love for Ruth and his feeling that no one truly understands it.

The world he thought he knew no longer made sense to him, and he began to change.
-- Ira (Chapter 1 paragraph 6)

Importance: This quote describes how Ira’s father changed after World War II and information about the Holocaust spread.

Don’t let it get to you. It’s not like he’s psycho or anything. He’ll figure it out eventually.
-- Marcia (Chapter 2 paragraph 13)

Importance: This quote is Marcia trying to reassure Sophia that Brian will not hurt her even though he has been stalking her and will later become somewhat violent toward her. This also shows the reader early how Marcia feels about Brian, foreshadowing a time when she begins to date him.

He...
-- Luke (Chapter 3 paragraph 5)