Charles
One of my favorite things about Tobey and Christina was the way they referred to eachother as "Charles." That reminded me of something me and my sister would do, it seemed very real and idiosyncratic to me. I liked it a lot.
shareI liked it as well, but does anyone know why? Is it just a simple game they play with each other or is it mentioned in the book somewhere what/who they're referencing?
shareIn the book it is explained that they are referring to Charles Nelson Reilly, the comic actor who used to be a celebrity panelist on the game show The Match Game. It's also the author's joke on Ben, who is troubled because he mistakenly thinks they are referring to Charles Manson.
"I don't seem able to strike the congenial note."
That rang very true to me as well....my sister and I have called each other "Billy" and 'Sally" (not our true monikers) for decades.
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And further to the "In the book..." point-
In the book, it mentions that it's something lots of kids in town do. Not just the brother and sister, but their whole circle.
A little more detail here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119349/board/nest/102231249?d=102248321#1 02248321
"You must sing him your prettiest songs, then perhaps he will want to marry you."