When You Reach Me Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I used to think of Sal as being a part of me: Sal and Miranda, Miranda and Sal. I knew he wasn't really, but that's the way it felt. (5.9)

The way Miranda sees herself is really connected to Sal. She sees him not as a different person, but as part of her. Is this a good or a bad thing? What does the book suggest?

Quote #2

When I had gotten us into the lobby, Sal went straight to his apartment and closed the door on me. I knocked for a while, but Louisa wasn't home from work yet and he wouldn't let me in.

If I'm not wrong, this is the beginning of the story you wanted me to tell. And I didn't know it yet, but it was also the end of my friendship with Sal. (7.15-16)

Miranda's story begins when her friendship with Sal ends. Why is this important?

Quote #3

In my book, Meg is looking for her father. When she finally gets to Camazotz, which is a planet somewhere near the Big Dipper where he's being held prisoner, this evil man with red eyes asks her why she wants him, and she says, "Didn't you ever have a father yourself? You don't want him for a reason. You want him because he's your father."

So I figure it's because I never had a father that I don't want one now. A person can't miss something she never had. (9.5-6)

Miranda doesn't know her father, but it's not a big deal in this book. How does this relate to her sense of who she is?