He just saw the best in everything and everybody, and I think people really felt like they were in the presence of God when they were with my daddy."
-- Catherine Grace (chapter 1 paragraph 2)

Importance: Much of the book chronicles Catherine Grace's love/hate relationship with her father and with God. This quote, said early in Chapter 1, illustrates that she understands, despite her beliefs, that her daddy really was adept at showing people the way to peace and wholeness.

He said God didn't take Mama away. It was an accident, and God doesn't cause accidents. He just helps us cope with them.
-- Catherine Grace (chapter 2 paragraph 3)

Importance: The difference between Catherine's and her father's faiths is a major theme in the story, and this quote demonstrates the different ways they see the world; most specifically, the different ways in which they view Catherine's mother's death.

Nothing about Gloria Jean was simple or plain.
-- Catherine Grace (chapter 2 paragraph 1)

Importance: Gloria Jean is an important character in the...