Like Broken Glass

[Rachel-K]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters?

Does Vee also court danger?

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?

[tato]

I liked this comparison a lot! I think it describes Nora's attraction to Patch perfectly, and it gives us, at the same time, a glimpse of Nora's "wild" side. She likes to be dared, and Patch dares her constantly with his presence. He's the embodiment of danger, and she feels attracted to it, but she knows that being with him will take her to shaky grounds. So it's a constant dare, and she likes that.

Being with Vee is also a proof of how she likes dares and danger. Vee is kind of a magnet for trouble. She's always luring Nora into doing illegal stuff, like sleuthing and breaking into places, and bad things, like dressing up to flirt with the bartender...Not to mention she's the one who's always pushing Nora to Elliot (spine-tingling Elliot). 

And her counselor? Of course she is right not to trust her. She's too mysterious. The fact that she knew about Nora tuttoring Patch, when she hadn't even accepted, was weird. And she's young...that's a pointer too. And she doesn't have any personal stuff in her office (diplomas, pictures) that reflects a bit of her life. AND she doesn't want Nora to be alone with Patch. She insists on that, which is too obvious. I think it should be less clear.

[Facepalm]

Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

Whether or not she likes it (I think It scares her a bit), she is definitely drawn to it.

Does Vee also court danger?

 If Elliot had a part in the murders at Kinghorn, then yes, probably.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?

Yes. She showed up at a terribly convenient time, don't you think?

[Philomenia]

I really like that comparison, liking Patch being like licking broken glass. I guess I came away from the book wondering why, when she wasn't around Patch, she thought licking broken glass was a terrible idea, but when she was around him, she was pretty much always eating glass.  I don't know, I'm still mulling over my thoughts for the book but I couldn't find really anything redeeming about Patch. Maybe I'm the only girl out there who thinks that a girl falling for a domineering, controlling, manipulative guy who makes you feel uncomfortable and not like yourself isn't a fantastic thing.

Other ways Nora courts danger: she walks home alone from the library through the tunnel even though she's had weird and dangerous things happen to her.  She takes the bus to Portland rather than drive her own car.  She walks alone in the city she's unfamiliar with and then gives a homeless woman her phone.

Vee also courts danger because she doesn't listen to Nora's advice.

I think the counselor at school was telling Nora things she didn't want to hear so she chose not to trust her because to do so would be to face uncomfortable truths she was unwilling to deal with.

[dhaupt]

I can see this comparison to broken glass to Nora's attraction to Patch, but I also think that in the novel she is most definitely one of the more level headed characters even with everything that's going on. I don't think she's attracted to his dangerous side as much as it's just pure attraction of the hormonal variety.

I wouldn't really say that Nora is courting danger as much as just testing her wings, pushing her way from being a child into a young adult by going to places that would be off her radar otherwise like Bo's. But most of the things happening to Nora I think would happen even if she never left home, obviously something evil is after her.

Vee does court danger, she follows by emotion not using sense. LIke how many of you would have been able to go camping with just 2 couples of 16-17 year olds. I wouldn't have been allowed to do it and wouldn't have allowed my daughter at that age to either.

I don't trust Ms. Greene either, there is something off about her that I feel too. Why is she telling Nora to stay away from Patch and just how does she seem to know so much about what Nora is doing. I think she's creepy.

[MsReaderCP]

She definitely courts danger.  I don't want to do a spoiler , so I think its very safe to say that when the danger warning should be going off in Vee's head, it doesn't and Nora doesn't even think before she goes running off anywhere and everywhere to save her best friend.  Is it because she's lost her dad and she doesn't want to lose Vee?  As asked in another question, Nora and her mom seem to get along fine but they don't spend time together or talk - all may be attributed to the new job her mom has had to take to keep the farmhouse.  But Nora seems to respect her and tries not to lie or put her through more worry than necessary.

She is definitely right not to trust her.  what kind of teacher says to a student that they've just met, that they should not meet with another student off campus unsupervised.  That set off alarms.  Teacher's have confidentiality rules and even if one did let something slip it would be to a student they had known for awhile and had true concerns for.  Not someone who ONLY seems concerned in nora's relationship with a boyfriend, Patch, what hours she's alone at night.

[Marshlove]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

This is definitely what Patch seems to be like. He's very mysterious and always seems to be daring Nora to step out of he safety zone and allow him to take her into the unknown. I think Nora really tries to hide the fact that she's deeply attracted to him, but the danger lures her closer to him everytime.

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters?

 There have been many ways that she's seemed to court danger: She didn't tell anyone about the man following her for a while, she met Patch at the pool hall across town by herself before she knew much about him (even though she had a bad feeling about him), she's gone along with all of Vee's crazy ideas, etc.

Does Vee also court danger?

 Vee definitely courts danger a lot - and in a much more obvious way than Nora does. She's always putting herself in harm's way whether it be breaking into an office, coming up with plans to get information about Patch (putting Nora in a disguise), or tring to be a detective and following what seems to be Nora's stalker.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?

I would think she's making a good choice by not trusting the counselor yet. The counselor seems to have shown up at an odd time, and knows way too much about Nora. Plus there was the fact that she not only warned Nora about hanging out with Patch - who is her biology partner - but also put up restrictions on the time they could spend together without giving a reason as to why it should be this way. She seems to know too much without giving out very many answers.

[Marshlove]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

This is definitely what Patch seems to be like. He's very mysterious and always seems to be daring Nora to step out of he safety zone and allow him to take her into the unknown. I think Nora really tries to hide the fact that she's deeply attracted to him, but the danger lures her closer to him everytime.

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters?

 There have been many ways that she's seemed to court danger: She didn't tell anyone about the man following her for a while, she met Patch at the pool hall across town by herself before she knew much about him (even though she had a bad feeling about him), she's gone along with all of Vee's crazy ideas, etc.

Does Vee also court danger?

 Vee definitely courts danger a lot - and in a much more obvious way than Nora does. She's always putting herself in harm's way whether it be breaking into an office, coming up with plans to get information about Patch (putting Nora in a disguise), or tring to be a detective and following what seems to be Nora's stalker.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?

I would think she's making a good choice by not trusting the counselor yet. The counselor seems to have shown up at an odd time, and knows way too much about Nora. Plus there was the fact that she not only warned Nora about hanging out with Patch - who is her biology partner - but also put up restrictions on the time they could spend together without giving a reason as to why it should be this way. She seems to know too much without giving out very many answers.

[Zia01]

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters? She just seems reckless about everything going on in her life, the stalker, Patch, her silence.

Does Vee also court danger? I think Vee is fairly reckless too. She just doesn't stop and think really.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school? Ya I don't know what her deal is, but I don't trust her, Nora shouldn't either.

[Vermontcozy]

Her attraction to Patch in itself is dangerous,she has led a very predictable life,Not surprised by this,exciting,.Doesn't feel like danger,just exploring Nora..She never thought of herself in those terms;Elliot: Murderer,or covering up for someone.She will pursue that answer and that alone will and has put her in danger.Again I can't help thinking she is always doing research..thats how she perceives it.Not Danger Putting herself in danger with her mother and losing her trust. I think the most dangerous scenario she has/will put herself in is finding out about the Angel Wing Scars......Research.Puts her in danger...Vee does not court danger,but Nora does that for her.Being beaten up,etc.Not liking Nora.She is out of control.She is also being manipulated.Cannot expect her to trust her new counselor,no one would at any age its so personal..Will decide later about Greene.Me and Nora and everyone else

[Mariandy]

Patch = licking broken glass? I thought it was a very interesting analogy. Way better than if she'd been dared to lick an icicle.

Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him? She's certainly drawn to the mystery. For someone like Nora to go to a place like the pool hall alone . . . she seems willing to get out of her comfort zone for him.

Does Vee also court danger? Yes -- but in a different type of way. She seems to hold to stereotypes more, without realizing that stereotypes aren't reality.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school? Absolutely. There is something creepy about Ms. Green!

[aprilh]

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rkubie wrote:

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

This is one of my favorite quotes in the book! I've never heard of an attraction to someone compared to being dared to lick broken glass before and I love it! It's so original! I do think Nora's attraction to Patch is like being dared to lick broken glass. It's dangerous and thrilling and you know you shouldn't do it, but there's something inside you screaming to just go for it! Worry about the consequences later and enjoy the thrill for now. Nora seems to like the danger Patch brings with him. Maybe it's a chance for her to prove to herself that she has a wilder side and doesn't always have to play by the rules.

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters?

Nora goes looking for information on Patch at the Borderline dressed in a wig, short skirt and stiletto heels. She also starts peeking around for information on Elliot, trying to find out if he had anything to do with Kjirsten's death at Kinghorn Prep.

Does Vee also court danger?

I think Vee lives for danger. It's her idea to go out in the rain dressed as Nora when she gets mugged. She's also the one who gives Nora the wig, skirt and heels when the girls are at the Borderline. We learn Vee has been secretly seeing Jules behind Nora's back and Vee is always inviting Jules and Elliot to go out with her and Nora which bothers me. There's something about Jules and Elliot that I don't trust.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?

Miss Greene is not to be trusted. She knows way too much information on Nora (like how Patch drove her home from Delphic and she let him inside her house) and she doesn't say how she found this out. She's a sketchy character that I'll have to keep my eye on.

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[7thgradeteacher]

Yes Nora seems to court danger.  That is shown right away when she leaves to go find Patch at the pool hall so she can ge the interview done.  This just continues and Vee and her try to play detective and find out info about Patch.  I think it's linked to what happened to her father - he death was surrounded by danger, so Nora goes there to maybe feel close to her dad - just a wild thought.

As far as her counsler - I would've run as far away from her as possible.  She screams crazy to me!

[melisndav]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?   Patch seems to have a mysterious past to which Nora wants the answers, which could her hurt her.  No, she does not like the dangerous side.

Can you see other ways that Nora seems to court danger in these chapters?  Yes, when she was checking on Elliott on the computer.  When her & Vee where shopping and she switched clothes with Vee, which led to Vee's accident.  It continues on.

Does Vee also court danger?  Yes, but Vee seems to enjoy it.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?  Yes, but I would be sure not to talk to the counselor especially if she knew about your outside activities.

[debbook]

I definitely think Nora is attracked to the danger of Patch. It is part of her discovering things outside the classroom, being a little bit rebellious.

Vee seems much more likely to be in danger but not to recognize it. I think she is too trusting.

Nora's counselor is way to hung up on Patch, very inappropriate, so Nora should definitely watch out!

[Anna_Louise]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

 Nora is definately attracted to Patch and even though she doesn't think she likes danger, she is attracted to it and seems to be able to thrive on it.

Does Vee also court danger?  Vee willingly puts herself and Nora into danger and it appears that she loves it and definately has a dangerous side to her.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?  Yes, for one thing, she is too young and the transition happened way too quickly for a school environment. She also knows information about Nora and Patch such as Nora tutoring Patch while she was still trying to decide.

[Anna_Louise]

Nora seems like a fairly stable person, but she describes her attraction to Patch as similar to what it felt like to be dared (as a child) to lick broken glass. Is this what Patch is like? Does Nora like what seems dangerous about him?

 Nora is definately attracted to Patch and even though she doesn't think she likes danger, she is attracted to it and seems to be able to thrive on it.

Does Vee also court danger?  Vee willingly puts herself and Nora into danger and it appears that she loves it and definately has a dangerous side to her.

Do you think Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school?  Yes, for one thing, she is too young and the transition happened way too quickly for a school environment. She also knows information about Nora and Patch such as Nora tutoring Patch while she was still trying to decide.

[Think-Im-Liste…]

I didn't exactly see this as anything good. Yes the expression shows oooooh she likes danger soooooooooooo amazing -.-' All licking broken glass will do is make your tongue bleed. If someone told me to lick broken glass I'd say no, no point in making yourself become a fool with a mouth full of blood just because you have too much pride to back down from a dare, that you care too much what other people think to be practical

[emma23]

I really like this comparison a lot.

patch is dangerous, and I think Nora was first attracted to patch because he is a bad boy. Both Nora and Vee court dangers in the book and Nora is right not to trust her new counselor at school.

[Candy33]

I love this comparison. Lots of imagery in letting us know that even though she seems like a "no trouble" type of girl, she actually can be pushed into dumb ideas that she knows are dumb from the begining. Patch does seem dangerous, but I don't believe he will hurt her. I think he accidently fell in love with her.

[djaq]

Like everyone has said, I really love the comparasion between Patch and the broken glass. Although Nora knows its stupid to lick the glass shard, she does it anyway. She is drawn to danger, although she lives her life without getting into trouble, or dangerous situations. She doesnt want to fall for him, because she knows its a poor decision, but like i said, shes drawn to the dark, mysterious side of Patch... Vee totally courts danger, because she is often reckless in her decisions, and doesnt always think before she makes a decision. Acts without thinking basically. Nora courts danger throughout these chapters, she finds herself attraacted to Patch, someone she doesnt know, and Elliot of course! Nora was wise not to trust the new guidence counselor... she seems less intrested in Nora... and more so on invading her life.. if that made anysense... lol....  

[KateBrianIsAwe…]

Spoiler maybe but probably not since everyone seems to have finished the book. When reading what the conselor had to say I knew there was something more to her. She knew way too much about Nora and Patch. If that happened to me I would feel stalked that a conselor knew my personal life.