Identity

The theme of personal identity is important in many of the character’s stories as they struggle to decide what kind of life they want to leave. The most obvious examples are in Sam and Ronnie’s narration as they bury their personal identities for what they think others want. They can only find happiness when they embrace their passions and be who they want to be.

When Sam is first introduced, Sarah refers to him as a chameleon and points out how he changes his likes based on what others want. The author expands on this through Sam’s relationships. One girlfriend says, “I want a guy who respects my opinions, sure, but I want him to have a few opinions of his own” (84). His best friend Marcus says, “most [women] just want someone who knows what he likes, and knows what he wants, and...