The thing is, no one tells you what to do when the parting happens. And they forget to explain that when death is sudden, the parting is actually a ragged tear, not a clean separation. It leaves all the ends unfinished, and they just unravel and unravel and…”
-- Paige (as Narrator) (Chapter One)

Importance: This quote exemplifies Nyhan’s conversational tone. The phrase “the thing is” acts as an appeal to the reader’s attention. Paige narrates in an informal manner, allowing her narrative to sound like a story directly addressed to the reader.

Everybody liked Frank, because Frank had that one quality no one could resist – he knew who he was and still liked himself.”
-- Paige (as Narrator) (Chapter Two)

Importance: Paige captures the desire most prevalent amongst Nyhan’s characters: the desire to be perceived as valuable for one’s individuality. Many find fault in their person due to things such as heritage (i.e. Lukas) or age (i.e...