And of course I would have moved to Mars if it got me away from what happened in Omaha.
-- Simon (A Note About Grin and Bear It)

Importance: This is one major example of how the author establishes the trauma in Simon’s past without directly stating it. Throughout the early chapters, Simon expresses relief at getting away from the city. The fact that he is willing to move to somewhere with no technology- such as Grin and Bear It or Mars itself - proves that whatever happened in his past is deeply affecting him. The reader does not have to know what the event is to sympathize with him. So, when the truth is revealed, the audience is already invested in his emotions.

Like- anyone can do anything, but that doesn’t stop people from giving you whatever label they think you ought to have, whether you wanted it or not.
-- Simon (A Note About the Sides)

Importance: The ideas of labels and stereotypes is...