Point of View

The novel is written from a network of different points of view. Writing the novel in this way enacts the author’s overarching notion that “Stories change depending on who’s telling them” (230). All of the numerical chapters are presented in and guided by Emily’s first person point of view. Emily’s narrative voice is familiar and colloquial. The author introduces the reader to these facets of Emily’s narration within the opening passages of Chapter 1. Indeed, Emily begins her account in the following manner: “Somewhere around the time she started calling herself ‘Chess,’ I realized I might actually hate my best friend” (3). Emily’s voice is not only conversational, it is confessional and unabashed. A few pages later, in the scene where Chess arrives at the café, Emily reflects on her life, saying, “what a complete and utter shit show this past year...