Chapters 9-10, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 9. In Chapter 9, Conrad takes a mid-term exam and notices a girl that he's known for years struggling with the questions. She is fat and unattractive, but he feels a kinship with her. After class Conrad tries to cheer her up and offers to help her with her work if she'd like. She declines and walks away but not before Stillman, one of the jocks from the swim team, sees them together and teases him about the girl.

Conrad tells Dr. Berger about a disturbing dream he had and how he's having trouble sleeping. Berger suggests his schedule is too full. Conrad admits that he wants to quit swimming, but feels he would look stupid if he did. He tells Berger that the coach is insensitive and relates a stupid remark the coach made. Berger tells him...