“Isn't a kid alive who doesn't dream about rewarding her folks, or punishing them.”

“Folks build a reputation by attacking you while you’re alive - or praising you after you ain’t.”

“The government says Rant's alive because they need a villain. The kids say he's alive because they need a hero.”

“But if you tell folks you're a college student, folks are so impressed. You can be a student in anything and not have to know anything. Just say toxicology or marine biokinesis, and the person you're talking to will change the subject to himself. If this doesn't work, mention the neural synapses of embryonic pigeons.”

“Marla doesn't have testicular cancer. Marla doesn't have tuberculosis. She isn't dying. Okay in that brain brain-food philosophy way, we're all dying, but Marla isn't dying the way Chloe was dying.”

“Her mom and dad are both doctors and want her to follow her dream, not turn out the way they have, no matter how much it costs them.”

“Your folks are god, you love them and you want to make them happy but you still want to make up your own rules.”