Since boarding the ferry she had spoken to no one, feeling like a ghost among the passengers
-- Narrator in the Head of Tara (chapter 2 paragraph 6)

Importance: This quote shows that Tara does not feel as if she has an identity. She feels like a ghost who cannot be seen or heard. The quote supports the theme of searching for one’s identity.

This year would be a fist to knock her open, a right cross to shake loose the grime and sadness.
-- Narrator in the Mind of Tara (chapter 1 paragraph 20)

Importance: This quote support the symbol of the Alaskan laundry and thus gives meaning to the title. Being there will shake loose the grime and the sadness just as washing machines shake away the grime from the laundry.

One day in early August, while Connor was at his job bricklaying, she woke up barely able to catch her breath.
-- Narrator in the Mind of Tara (chapter 2 paragraph 2)

Importance: This event causes her to take action. It symbolizes the fact that she is dying where she is now...