How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
No one ever pointed out that Dad didn't even play golf and he'd never gone away on business. All of which made me realize that he'd been missing in action for a long time before he'd actually bailed and moved in with Caroline. (1.31)
Bart's dad left the family six months before he died—a fact that Bart's mom hid from her family. That's a big lie to keep up, especially after his death.
Quote #2
I wished I had more grandparents. I wished I had all the family it was possible to have. (3.10)
Bart's grandparents on his dad's side died before Bart was born, plus he's an only child. He longs for a larger family.
Quote #3
When it turned out that Dr. Bratton was coming to see us, and it seemed like the first thing that had gotten Mom excited, or even interested, in weeks, I felt like I had to get with the program. (3.15)
Bart's love for his mother drives many of his sacrifices in the book. He keeps his misery at Baileywell under wraps for months for her sake.
Quote #4
The happiest moment of my entire day came when it was time to get on the loser-day-student bus and go home. (4.138)
Bart sees home as a refuge from all the problems he has at school. Thank goodness, since school is clearly super hard for him.
Quote #5
Though I never would have told anyone, the truth was I really liked snuggling up next to Mom on the couch as the bright flashing images chased each other across the screen. (5.26)
At thirteen, Bart still watches cartoons with his mom every Saturday morning. Something tells us that's not something that Tyro's doing with his mom.
Quote #6
I'd always liked holidays with my mom's family. It was sort of like spending time with a bunch of very talkative, affectionate octopuses. (7.2)
While Shmoop finds the idea of an affectionate octopus mildly alarming, it's sort of sweet how much Bart loves his family.
Quote #7
I loved the feeling of walking into Gran's house on Thanksgiving. It was always warm, too warm, and it always smelled awesome. (7.18)
Like his own home, Bart's grandmother's house is a refuge for him. These places are like anchors for him during the worst year ever.
Quote #8
I concentrated really hard, as if my brain were a video camera that could somehow record everything my family was saying and doing. Then I could play the tape back to myself during the next bad time at Bullywell […]. (7.22)
Poor Bart. Maybe he should have just made a video with his phone? Either way, it's sweet that his family provides so much comfort, even when he's not with them.