The Usual Rules Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Back when her mother first introduced her to Josh, she meant to hate him. She was only seven then. She'd seen a video at Amelia's house around that time, called Parent Trap, where a couple of twins whose parents were divorced decided to get them back together, and it worked. Even though Wendy didn't have a twin like the girls in the movie, that was her plan. (1.63)

At first, Wendy is the stereotypical stepdaughter who's determined to make Josh's life difficult. Thing is, she can't keep it up because Josh is so nice to her. He treats her like she's actually his daughter, and Wendy needs that in her life.

Quote #2

They were at Dreamland when he told her about wanting to get married to her mom. I could understand if you aren't too thrilled, he said. I know you've got a dad, and it's understandable that you'd like it a whole lot better if he was with your mother instead of me. But I promise I'll try hard to make her happy. And I'll teach you every single thing you ever wanted to know about jazz. (1.65)

Josh doesn't ignore Wendy or leave her out of the relationship he has with her mother—instead he consults her about marrying her mom and promises that while he'll never try to replace Garrett, he will always take care of her.

Quote #3

Lost without her. Her mom and Josh, wandering in a forest like Hansel and Gretel, but with Louie in the front-pack. Calling out, Wendy, Wendy, where are you? We're lost without you.

Of all the things I ever got to do, she told her mother on the way home, being a big sister is my favorite. (9.30-31)

Despite what everyone else says about siblings hating each other, Wendy is completely in love with Louie as soon as she sees his pink little baby face. She takes to being a big sister like a duck to water.