How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
As they unloaded, Randy considered the Henrys. They were a special problem. They were black and they were poor but in many ways closer to him than any family in Fort Repose. (3.48)
It's notable who Randy chooses to warn about the impending apocalypse. He doesn't tell the mayor. He doesn't tell the local chief of police. He doesn't tell that weird dude down the block who always rants about the Russians. The fact that he tells the Henrys, a family much lower on the social ladder than himself, and none of these other folks, tells us a lot about Randy's view of community.
Quote #2
Randy clicked on his transistor radio, and they all listened. Lib McGovern was sitting on the rug next to him, her shoulder touching his arm. The room was warm, and comfortable and somehow safe. (7.132)
This moment at the Braggs' impromptu meat fest is the first time since The Day that Randy feels anything resembling peace. Maybe it's because he's sitting next to the lovely lady he's crushing on. Maybe it's because he just consumed his bodyweight in choice cut beef. These are both important factors, but the biggest one in our estimation is that he's surrounded by the people he cares about most in the world. What's left of it, at least.
Quote #3
By then, the Bragg home was linked to the houses of Admiral Hazzard, Florence Wechek, and the Henrys not only by an arterial system of pipes [...] but by other common needs. (7.175)
Randy's riverside commune forms out of necessity. It starts with running water. It continues with food. It grows into clothing, distilling, and everything in between. Each of them knows that it's impossible for any one of them to survive on their own. But all of them together? That just might give them a fighting chance.