I guess I’ve learned it’s not enough to just think things. You have to say them too. Because all the words in the world won’t do much good if they’re just rattling around in your head.
-- Narrator (Marlee) (Page 1 paragraph Page 1)

Importance: This quote is important for two interrelated reasons: it expresses one of the novel's central themes (i.e. "finding your voice") and also defines a key element of Marlee's journey of transformation over the course of the narrative and its sequence of events.

There are worse things in life than sitting alone. Like leprosy. Or losing a limb. Or maybe getting your period in the middle of gym when you’re wearing white shorts and the teacher is a man and you left all your sanitary napkins at home. Not that that’s ever happened to me.
-- Narrator (Marlee) (Page 14 paragraph Page 14)

Importance: With one of her rare flashes of ironic humor, Marlee talks herself into...