How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Libby came in and squiggled into bed with me, saying "Hahahahaha!" for so long I had to get up. She's so nice, although a bit smelly. At least she likes me and doesn't mind if I have a sense of humor. (1.59)
Georgia's little sister, Libby, has some of the best moments in the book. While her parents drive Georgia nuts, Libby always seems to appeal to her softer side—she just can't hate on her baby sister, no matter how grown-up she thinks she's becoming.
Quote #2
Why couldn't I have a normal family like Julia and Ellen? They've got normal brothers and sisters. Their dads have beards and sheds. (1.81)
Georgia has concocted an idea of what makes a "normal family," but since she makes this observation after her parents have gone to work and Libby is at playschool, we're not really sure what she thinks is so odd about her own. They sound pretty "normal" to us.
Quote #3
God I hate parents! Me stupid?? They're so stupid. She wishes I was still Libby's age so she could dress me in ridiculous hats with ear flaps and ducks on it. (1.97)
Georgia feels like her parents won't let her grow up—they won't let her dye her hair blonde or have a lock on her door, which Georgia feels is proof positive of their resistance. Why do you think Georgia considers these things to be "more adult"?
Quote #4
My sister, Libby, kisses me on the mouth quite a lot, but I don't think sisters count. (1.144)
Libby loves her sister so much; that Georgia openly accepts her affection lets us know she's a softy for her sister, too.
Quote #5
We are four people who, through great misfortune, happen to be stuck in the same house. Why make it worse by hanging around in garden centers or going for a walk together? (1.148)
Classic teen sentiment alert: Who hasn't felt like their parents and siblings are just some randos they're stuck with until they can legally hack it on their own?
Quote #6
Libby has the flu… Poor little thing. I really love my little sister. (2.175)
Georgia's parents may drive her nuts, but when it comes to Libby, she just can't seem to feel anything but fondness for very long. Kind of undermines the quote right before this one, though, doesn't it? After all, Libby is one of the four people just scraping by together…
Quote #7
Mum gave a bit of a gasp when she came into my room because Libby was in bed with me but she had gone to sleep upside down so her feet were on the pillow next to me. Mum put her in her own bed, but then horror or horrors DAD RUFFLED MY HAIR. I pretended even harder to be asleep. (5.640)
In this moment, we see Georgia's parents' affection for her and her sister. Mum carries Libby to bed, Dad ruffles Georgia's hair—it might make our main girl uncomfortable, but there's definitely love flowing in this family.
Quote #8
Vati left today. I must say even I had a bit of a cry. (5.643)
She puts on a tough front, but when push comes to shove and her Dad (a.k.a. Vati) leaves, Georgia can't deny that it makes her sad.
Quote #9
Watching TV Mum said, "Do you miss your dad?" and I said, "Who?" (6.677)
Georgia already told us that she cried when her father left, so why is she pulling this fast one with her mom? Her father is gone, but instead of crying and missing him, she pretends like nothing is wrong. We chalk this up to Georgia trying to act like a grown-up more than anything else.
Quote #10
"It's not any kind of affair. Look, love, I really, really miss your dad." And it was horrible because her eyes were all leaky. (12.1093)
Georgia thinks her mom might be having an affair, but her mother's response makes it clear she'd never do such a thing. Dad might be gone, but Mom misses him something fierce.