Summary

Chapter 1. Shawn McDaniel is introduced as the novel’s narrator. He begins by discussing his life as a “good news, bad news” joke. The good news, according to Shawn, is that he lives in Seattle, which he loves. He also has two older siblings, Cindy and Paul, which he looks up to. Shawn also explains to the reader that he has the special ability to remember everything he has ever heard. This began when he was three or four years old and, by the time he was five, Shawn could remember everything from music lyrics to TV commercials to conversations people had on the street. Shawn admits while this is a remarkable gift, it hasn’t made him rich or famous.

This leads Shawn into his bad news. First, Shawn admits his parents divorced ten years ago because of him; his being born changed everything...