“But to wander out into the world and find ourselves, we need first to attach securely to the source.”
This citation highlights the power of connection and the importance of attachment in the journey of self-discovery. In the novel, Izzy is forced to take on a difficult and dangerous quest to find her missing love, Cyrus. She embarks on this journey alone but finds herself seeking solace and comfort in her relationships with others. Izzy is attempting to find her identity, separate from the trauma of her past. Sky’s quote encourages Izzy to find her power and strength while remaining connected to her source, or the people and places that offer her support. Through these connections, Izzy finds strength, courage, and direction, and is able to venture out into the world and find herself. In this way, the quote speaks to the idea that connection with others is essential to personal growth, as it gives us the security and support needed to explore our feelings, our world, and ourselves.
“The same grinding of the tectonic plates beneath the earth’s outer crust that caused earthquakes also heated the mineral springs to soaking perfection. There was something strange about that…the same source providing the threat of violence and the promise of comfort”
The statement points to an ironic duality, illustrating how the same forces of nature that can cause destruction and suffering can also be a source of comfort and healing. This quote reflects the themes of resilience and transformation that are present throughout the book. Izzy is searching for Cyrus and trying to find her healing and freedom from her past trauma. The tectonic plates and mineral springs serve as a metaphor for this process, as the same force that can cause destruction can also provide a source of reprieve and renewal. Through her journey, Izzy learns to accept and embrace the duality of life and to find a way to heal and move forward despite the darkness.
“Everyone had so much hidden pain; it made them more beautiful”
The quote highlights the struggles that Izzy and her close friends must face to find the truth about Cyrus' disappearance. While Izzy and her friends are dealing with a great deal of emotional pain, they are also able to find moments of beauty and connection despite their difficult circumstances. This quote demonstrates the resilience of the characters, and their ability to find solace in each other even when life seems overwhelming. It also speaks to the power of friendship and the importance of supporting each other through tough times. By acknowledging the pain that they all experience, they find the strength and resilience to keep going and find the truth.
