“It was hot. It was August. It was 1979. Beverly Tapinski was fourteen years old.”

The narrator uses the repetition of “it” and “was” to create a series of blunt statements. The forthright diction gives the reader information about the time, place, and main character, and it prepares the reader for Beverly’s relatively no-nonsense demeanor.

“What happens with kids is you want to protect them, and you can’t figure out how to do it, and it drives you crazy. It drives you right out of your head. It keeps you up nights.”

Mr. Denby’s anxious tone reveals his challenges Facing the Cruel but Kind World. The world gave Mr. Denby kids he loves, and because he loves them, he frets about protecting them from an unfeeling society.

“Her mother answered on the first ring. She didn’t sound too drunk.”

Beverly’s summation of her mom reflects her blunt outlook. She doesn’t use gentle language. Her assessment that her mom “didn’t sound too drunk” implies that there have been times her mother did sound “too drunk.” Her mom battles alcoholism and has exposed Beverly to her challenges.