Summary

In Chapter 8, named after “The Metamorphosis,” Phuc gathered at his friend Philip Lehmann’s house to watch his punk band practice. Philip was a year older and mentioned that he was in Advanced Placement U.S. History class. Phuc was surprised to hear that his friend cared about school. Philip gave Phuc a copy of The Stranger by Albert Camus to borrow. Phuc looked up to Philip’s older brother Lucas, who went to New York University. He realized that he could love reading and still be punk. Phuc worked with his friend Conor at the Coral Reef smoothie bar at the mall. He had read The Stranger and was working through Camus’ other books. After work, Phuc and Conor sat in Conor’s parents’ car and drank beer. The police pulled them over and brought them to the station. Phuc’s parents...