Quote 1
"Don't drown in self-pity," Edwin said. "You have more than most people. There's a whole box of your mom's letters waiting for you back in Drake. She knows you can't have mail, but she still writes every couple of days anyway." (24.28)
Though Cole's relationship with his father hasn't changed by the end of the book, things have definitely gotten better with his mom. She tries to be more present in his life…even when he's away on the Alaskan island.
Quote 2
Cole tried to pull away, but Edwin gripped him like a clamp. "You aren't the only creature here. You're part of a much bigger circle. Learn your place or you'll have a rough time." (2.21)
The whole reason Cole almost dies in his first stint on the island is because he doesn't realize that he has to respect the other creatures who are sharing the world with him. He's terrible to them—which is why Spirit Bear attacks him.
Quote 3
Edwin turned to Cole. "Nobody's going to babysit you here. If you eat you'll live. If not, you'll die. This land can provide for you or kill you." He pointed into the forest. "Winters are long. Cut plenty of wood or you'll freeze. Keep things dry, because wet kills." (2.15)
When Cole first arrives at the island, he doesn't take Edwin's warning seriously. He thinks that he can totally handle the savagery of the natural world…but he's soon proven wrong.