How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
My dad was convinced I was a coward, and to get me over it, he decided that what I should do was take the carton of eggs back to the Bakers and tell them we didn't eat eggs, or that we were allergic to them, or something.
Then my mom butts in with, "What are you teaching him here, Rick? None of that is true. If he returns them, shouldn't he tell them the truth?"
"What, that you're afraid of salmonella poisoning?"
"Me? Aren't you a little concerned, too?"
"Patsy, that's not the point. The point is, I will not have a coward for a son!"
"But teaching him to lie?"
"Fine. Then just throw them away. But from now on I expect you to look that little tiger square in the eye, you hear me?" (5.176-182)
When it comes to dealing with Juli's eggs, Bryce's mom and dad can't agree on a solution. Bryce's dad thinks maybe his son should just lie. (Nice lesson to teach your kid, Mr. L.) And even though Mrs. Loski isn't okay with this lying business, she also doesn't want her son to tell the Bakers that she's afraid to eat the eggs. This is a sticky situation for poor Bryce. Should he tell Juli how his family really feels and risk hurting her feelings with the truth? Or should he deceive her and avoid embarrassing himself as well?
Quote #2
She stood frozen with the eggs in her hands while I dumped the rest of the trash. "Why did you throw them out?" she asked, but her voice didn't sound like Juli Baker's voice. It was quiet. And shaky.
So I told her we were afraid of salmonella poisoning because her yard was a mess and that we were just trying to spare her feelings. I told it to her like we were right and she was wrong, but I felt like a jerk. A complete cluck-faced jerk. (5.199-200)
When Juli catches Bryce throwing away the eggs, he finally comes clean—but telling the truth doesn't make Bryce feel much better. In fact, he feels worse than ever. He definitely could've told Juli the truth in a much nicer way.
Quote #3
"Because your backyard is, like, covered in turds! I mean, look at your place, Juli!" He pointed at our house and said, "Just look at it. It's a complete dive!"
"It is not!" I cried, but the truth was sitting right across the street, impossible to deny. My throat suddenly choked closed and I found it painful to speak. (6.162-163)
Juli tells us how it goes down when she catches Bryce chucking her eggs. And for Juli, learning the truth super hurts—especially when that truth is about her family's house. Did you notice how physical Juli's reaction is to realizing the truth? Do you think this means Bryce should have kept lying to Juli? Or is there another better option?