How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
In later years I asked her if she loved me and she brushed me off with: "God is love. Just worry about whether you're being a good girl, then He will love you." (9.6)
Of course Momma loves Maya… right? Why can't she bring herself to say it? Is God's love just the most important thing to her? Or is she afraid of human connection?
Quote #2
He held me so softly that I wished he wouldn't ever let me go. I felt at home. (11.15)
It's not uncommon for victims of sexual abuse to feel loved by their abuser. Especially for a child like Maya, who doesn't know real love, it's tough for her to distinguish.
Quote #3
I was liked, and what a difference it made. I was respected not as Mrs. Henderson's grandchild or Bailey's sister but for just being Marguerite Johnson. (15.56)
Not Ritie, not Sister, and not even Maya. Mrs. Flowers calls our girl by her full name, Marguerite. She's the first person to really see Maya as an individual.