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“Checking on Mal is a never-ending task. We are all about checking on Mal. We’ve been checking on him since he was born, and that was ten years ago.”

This quote illustrates David’s feelings about being asked to check on his younger brother, Mal. The passage hints at Mal’s needs and provides a glimpse into how profoundly those needs have shaped the family dynamics. This quote also emphasizes The Importance of a Family Support System.

“Being the middle kid of three is like being the beef in a SooperSlider—you’re just there to weld the bun together.”

With this whimsical metaphor, David expresses his frustration over being relegated to a mere supporting role in the family and laments the fact that he does not receive as much care or attention as his siblings do. Because his own interests lie in the realm of competitive eating, the author extends the novel’s food-related imagery when David discusses his family dynamics as well.

“I walk home. Mom is in the front yard working on her peonies. She asks me to go check on Mal. It’s automatic. She says it a hundred times a day. I check on Mal.”

This quote illustrates the dynamic between David, Mom, and Mal and emphasizes the fact that David feels underappreciated and taken for granted. The short, abrupt sentences illustrate his frustration and show how automated this process is for David and Mom, as their lives revolve around meeting Mal’s needs.