How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Other people's tragedies should not be the subject of idle conversation." (18.54)
Pretty much anyone has heard or read some sort of celebrity breakup story or watched a politician's funeral on TV. So is the preacher's statement true or false? The preacher didn't tell Opal about Carson's death until Opal specifically asked. But by not telling her, Opal couldn't understand Amanda. So, is it gossip to tell about others' tragedies? Should we just keep tragic info about others to ourselves? Or not?
Quote #8
"But I don't have to talk to people, right?"
"No sir," I said. "You don't. But bring your guitar. Maybe you could play us some music."
Otis is an odd duck. He craves friends and social interaction, and yet he's terrified of it. Understandably—the last time he had serious human interaction he got tossed in the slammer. Thankfully, our girl Opal figures this out and sees that Otis is really communicating with his guitar. He's safe behind the strings. And because Opal is young and innocent and kind (and knows how to talk to wild animals), Otis trusts her.
Quote #9
I was surprised at how glad I was to see Amanda. And I wanted to tell her I knew about Carson. I wanted to tell her I understood about losing people, but I didn't say anything. I was just extra nice. (21.15)
Communication without words. It's real. And Amanda needs it. She probably would have burst into waterworks and run off if Opal had said the things she wanted to, so good for her. She gets serious maturity points for knowing when to keep her mouth shut.