…it began with the house…in a neglected, once-vibrant neighborhood in the city of Syracuse.
-- Narration (Part 1, Chapter 1)

Importance: These lines of narration from the opening chapter establish some of the significances of the house on Highland Street. Notably, the narration implies that the neighborhood surrounding the house has become impoverished. One of the reasons Sam moves to the house is to be more in touch with urgent dynamics of poverty that define much of American society, and which so often are ignored.

We had no idea this meeting would be so full of cis, straight white, privileged women. You have lot to answer for.
-- Teenager (Part 1, Chapter 5)

Importance: Following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Sam and other women from her community organize a political action meeting. Almost all of the attendees are middle-aged affluent white women. Two teenagers arrive at the meeting and criticize the women for their complacency and complicity. This event compels Sam to more...