Thanksgiving Turkey

The Thanksgiving turkey is a symbol of innocence and childhood. Jamie draws this turkey when he is in the first grade. He believes it is a work of art until Mona’s ghost tells him that turkeys are not typically green.

Rings

Mona’s rings are symbols of mental health. Jamie proves to his mother that he is not crazy when she finds Mona’s rings where Mona told Jamie they would be.

The Mackenzie Fund

The Mackenzie Fund is a symbol of downward financial mobility. Both Harry and Tia invested in the Mackenzie Fund, which turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. When Tia needed the money when the economy crashed in 2008, there was no money there. This investment scam is one reason why Tia and Jamie had to move to a smaller apartment and sell their car to pay the bills.

The Book