Big deal Quote by Lauren Oliver
““Mmm, butt bagels." Elody reaches into the bag and pulls out a bagel, half squashed, then makes a big deal of taking an enormous bite out of it. "Taste like Victoria's Secret." "Taste like thong floss," I say. "Taste like crack," Lindsay says. "Taste like fart," Elody says, and Lindsay spits coffee on the dashboard, and I start laughing and can't stop, and all the way to school we're thinking of flavors for butt bagels, and I'm thinking that this---my life, my friends---might be weird or screwy or imperfect or damaged or whatever, but it's never seemed better to me.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Before I Fall, 2013
The characters humorously compare absurd flavors, using exaggerated metaphors to cope with teenage angst and the feeling of being broken.
In simple terms: They joke about weird flavors to mask deeper insecurities.
Key Takeaway
Find humor in absurdity to ease discomfort.
Themes
friendship
humor
anxiety
Mood
playful
confessional
Type
contemporary
relatable
When to use this quote
- school life
- friend group dynamics
- stress relief
Key Concepts
self‑esteem
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What absurd metaphor helps you cope?
- How does humor affect your mood?
A Different Perspective
Jokes may hide unresolved issues.
