How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I wouldn't jump on Dad's train even if Michelangelo were on it. He and I don't get on, though he tends to forget. I never forget. (1.75)
Noah and his dad have a strained relationship. At one point, Dianna Sweetwine says that's because Noah underestimates his father. Do you agree?
Quote #2
The yelling reaches us. It's loud, like the house might break in two. Same as the other times lately. (1.122-1.123)
Sounds like the Dianna and her husband haven't been getting along for a while. Jude and Noah may not have seen the divorce coming, but there were signs.
Quote #3
We can never do Rochambeau because not once in thirteen years have we chosen differently. It's always: two rocks, two papers, two scissors. (1.128)
At the end of the novel, Noah and Jude play Rochambeau (yeah, that's how it's spelled) and choose differently for the first time ever. Each twin has become his or her own person.
Quote #4
If Mom and Dad were drowning, who would we save first? (Me: Mom, duh. Jude: depends on her mood.) And there's the other variation: If we were drowning, who would Dad save first? (Jude.) (1.166)
Noah and Jude are competitive to a degree that's maybe just a teeny tiny bit unhealthy, as we can see in their morbid "Who would you save?" game.
Quote #5
Truth is, I think Mom and I had gotten used to not noticing her when the three of us were together. (3.91)
Noah and his mom have a special bond that sometimes leaves Jude feeling like a third wheel. Which is, um, not exactly about to qualify her for any Best Mom awards.
Quote #6
So quietly I can barely make out the words, she says, "She's my mom too. Why can't you share?" (3.131)
Jude is jealous of Noah's relationship with their mother. Why is her own relationship with Dianna so strained?
Quote #7
You start to wonder why your dead parent is more present and accounted for than the living one. Most of the time, I only know Dad's home because I hear a toilet flush or the TV turn on. (4.57)
It sounds like poor old Dad has sort of checked out of life since the sudden death of his wife. Good thing the ghost of Grandma Sweetwine has been keeping Jude company. (Well, sort of a good thing.)
Quote #8
I look at the two of them mirroring each other across the table and realize: They are father and son, just not by blood. I didn't know that family members could just find each other, choose each other like they have. (4.338)
What do you think drew Oscar and Guillermo to one another? Is there any other evidence in the novel of characters who "choose each other" for family, even if they're not biologically related?
Quote #9
A week after Dad's forgotten birthday, with the rain beating the crap out of the house, Mom and Dad seat Jude and me in the frozen part of the living room that no one ever sits in to inform us that Dad's temporarily moving down to the Lost Cove Hotel. (5.174)
And if you think that sounds dramatic, just wait till Mom accidentally drives off a cliff.
Quote #10
"She said you would feel like family," I say to him, only realizing too late I probably should've kept this to myself. How corny. But again he doesn't react like I think. … "She did and you do." (6.233-6.234)
Oscar's mom prophesized that he'd meet a girl who'd instantly feel familiar. As it turns out, that girl is Jude.