How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I'm not one of these kids who's had their college plans set in stone since they were about five. (1.2)
Um, okay. And that makes Sutter pretty normal. The difference is that, by senior year, most people at least have an idea.
Quote #2
Her parents seem to like me better in a tie. I guess it fools them into thinking I'm going somewhere with my life. (10.19)
Well, sure. Ties are sexxxy! Uh, except that's probably not why Cassidy's parents like him better in one. Probably, like most parents, they want their kid to be friends with people whose plans extend past the end of high school.
Quote #3
I was never big on the future. I admire people who are, but it just never was my thing. (12.1)
Okay, saying that the "future" isn't your think is kind of like saying "breathing" isn't your thing. Doesn't matter if you like it or not; it's still going to happen.
Quote #4
"I want to work for NASA someday." She sounds kind of tentative, like she's afraid I'll think that's a stupid ambition or something. (25.34)
Um, this is about the coolest dream there is. But we get it: sharing your dreams with someone else is super intimate. No wonder Aimee feels tentative.
Quote #5
Space travel, super-intelligent horses, working for NASA, owning a vast ranch – you really have to admire dreams like that. (27.7)
It's not 100% clear whether Sutter is being sarcastic or serious here, but Aimee's deadly serious: these dreams keep her going in spite of how rough her family and school life is.
Quote #6
I had big dreams once myself. (27.8)
Guess what? Sutter still does have big dreams—he just doesn't realize it. Unfortunately, his dreams aren't going to be easy to achieve, since they involve (1) staying a kid, and (2) continuing to idealize his deadbeat dad. Pretty grim.
Quote #7
"But you know how it is with Marcus – he has a plan. […] I mean, he already has this whole plan for where our relationship is going and how I can go to New Mexico to college with him, and after a year we'll start living together and then get married right after we get our degrees." (35.48)
Okay, dreams are great and all, but if you have your whole life planned out before high school even ends, you're probably in for some disappointment. Marcus, pro tip: lighten up. Cassidy may have wanted someone more settled, but Marcus is really doing a 180 here.
Quote #8
Any time a girl starts to talk about the FUTURE I try to change the subject pronto. (36.6)
Ladies: whenever a guy changes the subject when you talk about the future, it's a RED FLAG. Actually, same goes for you guys. Basically, what we're saying is that you and your SO should probably be on the same page when it comes to planning for the future.
Quote #9
Besides, it doesn't matter if it's real. It never does with dreams. They aren't anything anyway but lifesavers to cling to so you don't drown. (39.35)
Guess that explains why Sutter decides to throw away everything he has with Aimee once he realizes that his dream of his dad isn't real. With that lifesaver gone, he drowns—in a 64 oz. cup of whiskey.