How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Just do your best," Mom would say. "That's good enough for us." (3.37)
Susan Cray shows she loves Wahoo by being unconditionally supportive. Since she doesn't set expectations for Wahoo, he learns to take risks and is rewarded for his bravery.
Quote #2
"I'm sorry," Wahoo said again. "I really messed up." (3.100)
Wahoo sure owns his own stuff and shows love and respect by apologizing. We can see how good at communication he is and notice that he is a mature teenager.
Quote #3
"Miss you, Mom."
"I miss you, too, big guy. This really sucks." (4.30-31)
Isn't it great to see a teenager tell his mom how he really feels? Susan is an awesome mom, and we can tell she really loves him because of her little nickname for him and because she tells him how she really feels without trying to downplay it or sweeten it up.
Quote #4
Wahoo would have loved to hear his mother's voice, but she'd warned him about phoning too often. (6.6)
Wahoo's family depends on each other for emotional support, and make up the backbone of each other's community. It's hard having his mom so far away, but we think Wahoo channels her when he makes tough decisions.
Quote #5
Then, out of nowhere, she asked, "You got a girlfriend, Lance?"
"Please quit calling me that."
"So that's a yes."
"No, Lucille, I do not have a girlfriend."
"How come?"
"'Cause I'm too busy." (11.64-69)
Ain't that the truth. We know Wahoo loves his family and helps out as much as he can with the animals, which leaves him little time for a love life. Wahoo's family business involves round-the-clock chores, after all, to make sure their animals are healthy and happy. However, we wonder if he might consider spending a little less time with the monkeys and a little more time getting to know Tuna. Hmmmm.
Quote #6
Ever since Wahoo was little, he and his mom had shared an unusual mental connection that was almost telepathic. (14.64)
After Wahoo listens to Tuna talk about her pretty rough home life, he gets majorly bummed out. Makes sense—he likes her. The first person he wants to talk to is his mom. The really cool thing, though, is that she sensed he was in trouble and was waiting for him to call. That is one strong mother-son bond.
Quote #7
"You know what I dreamed?" Mickey said. "I dreamed some poacher got after Alice. It was ugly." (15.50)
Mickey doesn't relate well to people outside the family. His real passion and life-long love is for wild animals. Alice is an alligator he found young and raised, and he loves her like she is a part of the family.
Quote #8
"That girl's my flesh and blood, Sparky, and I ain't leavin' this swamp without her." (25.38)
Even though Jared Gordon is totally unforgiveable and the worst kind of a fool (because he hurts others), his deep-down intention is from a kind of distorted love for his daughter. No—he does not show it or treat her with love, but this is the most sensitive line Jared has shared. It shows us that his is a possessive love.
Quote #9
Wahoo was not prepared to watch his dad die right in front of him. Never in his life had he experiences such a powerful flood of emotions—fear, dread, desperation and rage. (25.40)
Picture it: Your all-time closest family member is confronting a maniac with a weapon and it looks like your loved one might be next on the hit list. What would you do? Wahoo loves his dad so much, he risks his own life to save him.
Quote #10
Wahoo laughed, and he remembered how funny Tuna could be. He missed her, but he was glad she was safe… (epilogue.74)
The book ends by tying up all the characters' loose ends, which for Wahoo is Tuna. He both wants to get to know her better and wants her to be safe. This is just the beginning to a potential love relationship between them.