Phones

Albertalli uses the motif of phones, and technology more broadly, to give the perspective of teenage life in 2017. She also uses this motif to help add a unique literary structure to her novel. This motif also allows for the reader to see an objective perspective of Leah’s life. While still reading the novel through her eyes, the text messages provide an alternate view. And finally, the motif of phones and technology is what finally brings Leah and Abby together. As both Leah and Abby struggle with their expression of their feelings and concern over if the other person is straight or possibly gay, the phone gives them a safe way to explore their relationship and eventually end up together.

The use of phones as a motif gives a unique literary structure to the novel, and allows for Albertalli to show another side of Leah’s...