Summary

In “before we begin,” Frank, a Korean-America, tells his reader that he has two names. Frank Li is his American name, and Sung-Min Li is his Korean name.

In Chapter 1, “lake girlfriend,” Frank starts his story by telling his reader that “Senior year is begun” (1). He words it this way because he thinks it sounds cool. In reality, Frank is in fear of what his senior year might hold. He made only 1400 out of a possible 1520 on the PSAT. Frank’s parents had set a goal of 1500. His mom told him that they loved him anyway. They want him to get into Harvard.

Frank notes that Hanna, his sister, did everything right in their parents’ eyes until she fell in love with a black boy named Miles Lane. Frank’s parents never talked to Hanna after that. Frank finally gave...