Chapter 7: The Land That God Forgot

      ·         “When you step on the court with players like Kobe Bryant or six foot eight point guards who can dunk from the free throw line, your mind begins to concentrate on your other options.” (Page 130)

In this quote, Wes explains how his aspiration of becoming an athlete was impaired by his realization that he was not good enough.  This shows that it is important to have several life choice paths to take in case one does not work out, and in order to eventually be successful in life.

      ·         “Aside from my family and friends, the men I most trusted all had something in common: they all wore the uniform of the United States of America.” (Page 132)

This quote shows that Wes was inspired and frankly changed forever through military schooling.  This reveals that the military can have a big impact on your life choices and worldview: resulting in an increased sense of pride and dedication to your job and country.

      ·         “’Where did you get this from?’ Wes asked, but Cheryl just kept repeating the same response, as if they were the only words she knew: ‘I’m sorry.’”  (Page 137)

This quote exemplifies the idea of destructive life choices showing that Cheryl, who was perfectly capable of understanding her danger and addiction to heroin, chose to make the wrong choice anyway.  Lack of caring for her children, her absent husband, and her poverty all managed to put her in her miserable state.  The same is true for many depressed people today.

      ·         “Levy would be entering the Job Corps as a high school dropout but was hoping to leave with a general equivalency diploma (GED) and the skills to help him land a job as a hot-water-boiler repairman.  He knew the pay would be lower from what he was making on the streets, but the work was steady and honest, and he would have more time to give his family without injury, death, or incarceration looming.” (Page 139)

This quote shows that Levy chose to put himself through tedious schooling for a job that would result in less pay than his current drug-dealing occupation.  This implies that it is more important to have a moral sense and make honest life choices rather than have more money.

      ·         “’Fuck God,’ he said, drawing in a lungful of smoke.  ‘If He does exist, He sure doesn't spend any time in Wes Baltimore.’” (Page 140)

This quote demonstrates that Wes, who had seen poverty, drugs, and lack of love for his entire love, refused to acknowledge God’s presence.  This choice to decline any sort faith is shown as a consequence of a scarring childhood.