Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Contrasting Regions: NYC vs. Farbrook, NJ Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)

Quote #1

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret. We're moving today. I'm so scared God. I've never lived anywhere but here. Suppose I hate my new school? Suppose everybody there hates me? Please help me God. Don't let New Jersey be too horrible. Thank you. (1.1)

Some kids move a lot growing up, but for those that don't, much of their identity is formed by where they live. And the tricky part about moving away from New York City is that there's no place else quite like it—so Margaret was in for a big change no matter where her parents chose to live.

Quote #2

But when I groaned, "Why New Jersey?" I was told, "Long Island is too social—Westchester is too expensive—and Connecticut is too inconvenient."

So Farbrook, New Jersey it was, where my father could commute to his job in Manhattan, where I could go to public school, and where my mother could have all the grass, trees and flowers she ever wanted. Except I never knew she wanted that stuff in the first place. (1.4-5)

Where would you rather live and why?

Quote #3

The new house is on Morningbird Lane. It isn't bad. It's part brick, part wood. The shutters and front door are painted black. Also, there is a very nice brass knocker. Every house on our new street looks a lot the same. They are all seven years old. So are the trees. (1.5)

Sound familiar? Farbrook, New Jersey is a lot like other suburbs. Note that though Margaret says, "It isn't bad," she also doesn't ever say it's good.