"Everyone refers to him at the Blair Witch of the Lower East Side. And I just shook his hand" (Chapter 2, p. 4).

"There's something about being fat that makes everyone think they're doing you the favor" (Chapter 5, p. 10).

"In fact, this is probably the first time since fourth that I'm the center of attention and no one is laughing" (Chapter 13, p. 31).

"It's distorted and grotesque and I nod approvingly. Maybe this is where I fit" (Chapter 14, p. 33).

"Yeah...And my dad, my father I mean, taught me to play guitar, because he was a real kick-ass guitar player. But my mom, see...she taught me to love music" (Chapter 16, p. 38).

"He's on his knees leaning backward, making crazy punk rock faces and I swear he doesn't give a shit with he looks like" (Chapter 17, p. 40).

"Screw that," he says. "You make your size. You make your walls. It's not...