Claire McKenzie

Claire McKenzie is the seventeen-year-old protagonist of the novel. She's described as being moderately pretty, thin, and with long hair that has grown back beautifully since she left chemo in middle school. At the opening of the novel, Claire McKenzie is happy in her life. She's been in leukemia remission for a few years, and has managed to keep her past illness a secret from many of her schoolmates, allowing her to skyrocket in popularity to the cool crowd. Claire has just lost a bunch of weight, secured a spot on the cheerleading squad, and snagged a hot boyfriend from the Fish Frat. Claire's perfect life is rattled by the introduction of a new kid at school, Lani Garver, an androgynous and puzzling teenager. Although Lani is ousted by the rest of the cool kids, Claire feels strangely drawn to him, particularly after he takes her to...