How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Play was fifteen and a nice guy, but he was facing juvy life for shooting a guy. (2.15)
Through Reese's description of him, and his jokes throughout the novel, we know that Play isn't a monster. But we also know he killed someone. Mixed bag, this one.
Quote #2
Willis, my bother, used to do some boxing and we used to spar around in the gym. Then he got shot and didn't have any more interest in fighting. (2.26)
Reese mentions that his brother was shot. Notice the casual way in which he discusses it? This shows how commonplace violence is in his neighborhood.
Quote #3
I didn't like to fight in a ring or anything like that. It just didn't appeal to me, but when my father started hitting me all the time, I was glad that I knew a little something. (2.26)
Reese doesn't enjoy violence, but he can't get away from it—even at home. No wonder he has a hard time not engaging sometimes in juvenile prison; violence has always been around.