[My father] often came home mad. He did not like that they could not answer when students asked about something called the Cultural Revolution. ‘They are always listening to us. Watching us. Don't talk about this, don't acknowledge that.
-- Qian (narration), Qian's father (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote reveals some of the reasons why Qian's parents decided to move from China to the United States. Qian's parents felt stifled by China's strict governmental regime, and they believed that they would have more freedom and opportunities in the United States. Unfortunately, they faced many harsh difficulties in America.

Ba Ba would later tell me that he saw my outstretched arms whenever he closed his eyes, every single day for years to come.
-- Qian (narration) (chapter 2)

Importance: This line of narration refers to the parting between Qian and her father when her father moved to American before Qian and her mother. Her father's fixation on this image, which is part of their moment...