He would have worn a cowbell around his neck if it had meant avoiding jail.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph 9)

Importance: Cole has agreed to go to the island for a year rather than facing the possibility of jail time. His comment here is an indication that he isn't serious about using the time as an opportunity to begin healing and learning to deal with his anger, but is just trying to get out of jail.

He drinks until he turns into a monster. Mom just gets drunk and pretends nothing has happened.
-- Cole (Chapter 2 paragraph 18)

Importance: Garvey has just guessed that Cole's dad beats him. Cole says that his father is brutal and that his mother ignores it all. Cole has dealt with the fact that his father is abusive and feels that his mother doesn't love him or she would step up and stop the abuse.

Stronger than any burning in his arms and belly, more haunting than...
-- Narrator (Chapter 5 paragraph 10)