But a buck every few hours doesn’t pay my salary. I can’t figure out what does pay my salary. I can’t figure out what keeps this bookstore in business at all.”
-- Narrator (Section 1, Chapter 2 paragraph 6)

Importance: Clay tries to figure out how the bookstore runs; his concern isn’t so much about the bookstore as it reflects his concern for being able to keep the job.

I set my chin in my palm and count my friends and wonder what else is hiding in plain sight.”
-- Narrator (Section 1, Chapter 3 paragraph 111)

Importance: Clay ponders the reveal that Mat is interested in dating Ashley, a possible relationship pairing he didn’t even consider.

I know there are more bookstores – libraries? – like this, but I still don’t know what “like this” means. I don’t know what the Waybacklist is for.”
-- Narrator (Section 1, Chapter 6 paragraph 8)

Importance: Clay is becoming increasingly frustrated with the mystery of his surroundings; his urge to understand it begins to...