The device could only bring sound to her brain—it couldn’t decipher it, or even do much to sift through what was important and what was just noise.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: Charlie's mother forbids her from using ASL and forces her to get a cochlear implant because medical officials make it seem like implants are a magical solution to the "problem" of deafness. This quote is important because it shows the limitations of implants.

Her mother didn’t appeal the ruling, a surrender Charlie found both a relief and a little upsetting. Mothers on TV always fought to win their kids back; it was their reason for living, all that. Then again, the three of them were pretty tired of going to court.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: After years of debate about whether or not Charlie should go to Deaf school, Charlie's father wins custody of his daughter and enrolls her in River Valley. This quote...