Tim Jamieson suddenly decided he wanted to get the fuck off this plane and hitchhike north.
-- Narrator (The Night Knocker: Chapter 1)

Importance: It was Tim’s decision to take the offer to give up his seat on his flight to New York to a federal agent that leads him to DuPray. It is in this small town that he meets Luke and helps him take down the Institute.

He was touched and surprised — not for the first time — by the ordinary kindness and generosity of ordinary folks, especially those without much to spare. America was still a good place, no matter how much some (including himself, from time to time) might disagree.
-- Narrator (The Night Knocker: Chapter 3)

Importance: This quote introduces one of the themes of the book, that many Americans are still good people despite the troubles that plague the country. This goodness is demonstrated not only by this librarian but also by the people of DuPray when they come out...