Still, there is hope--not to forget McKale, nor even to understand why I had to lose her--but to accept that I did and somehow go on.
-- Alan (Prologue paragraph 4)

Importance: This line not only describes Alan's motivations in going on with his life, but it underscores one of the themes of the novel.

You don't know much about me. I'm a thirty-two-year old former advertising executive, and sixteen days ago I walked away from my home in Bridle Trails, Seattle, leaving everything behind, which, frankly, wasn't much by the time I started my trek. I'm walking to Key West, Florida--that's about 3,500 miles, give or take a few steps.
-- Alan (Chapter 1 paragraph 2)

Importance: This line introduces the reader to Alan and gives some background information the reader who did not read the first novel might need.

As I said, my problem problem wasn't with Spokane as a locale, it was with my being stuck there. I was still running...
-- Alan (Chapter 8 paragraph 5)