Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara, California is one of the novel's primary settings. At the start of Chapter 1, Penny has just left her life and home in Santa Cruz and begun traveling to Santa Barbara. This is the town in which her grandparents live. Penny has therefore decided to return to this place in an attempt to help Arlo and Pincer. However, she is also using her time in Santa Barbara to avoid her personal problems.

Over the course of Penny's time in Santa Barbara, Penny is forced into gradual confrontation with herself. Being without the distractions of her marriage and job indeed forces Penny to self-reflect. With the help of her new friends Burt and Dale, she gradually begins to examine herself and realize her need for change and renewal.

Burt's Office

When Penny first arrives in Santa Barbara, she and Burt drive to Burt's office. Penny is...