Arthur, I wonder whatever became of that cute little blond boy with the one arm.
-- Mrs. Hornbeck (“Prologue”)

Importance: Mrs. Hornbeck sums up the purpose of this novel when she asks her husband what might have happened to Buddy, the boy she saw waving at the train when it passed by Whistle Stop. This novel is the story of the adult Buddy.

One afternoon, when Ninny was over at the cafe visiting with Ruth, she said, ‘That boy of yours is a real wonder boy.
-- Ninny (“Buddy Jr.”)

Importance: This quote explains the meaning of the title of the novel. Buddy could be considered the wonder boy of Whistle Stop because he has accomplished so much with his life despite his missing arm. It is indicated that Ninny was the one who called Buddy a wonder boy not because he had so many abilities, but because he asked so many questions.

People in Whistle Stop tried to hang...
-- Narrator (“Twenty-Five Years Later”)