In many ways, Violet and Finch's lives begin with the novel's opening scene. It is both their worst and best day thus far: the worst because Finch stays submerged for so long that Violet fears he's drowned the best because the cathartic argument that follows when he resurfaces seals their intimate connection. And on the first warm day of winter, the pair heads to the exquisite Blue Hole in Prairieton, Ind., a three-acre lake on private property. They travel to Blue Flash, a roller-coaster ride created by grandfatherly John Ivers to give him a rush akin to drag racing ("I love the thrill of impending, weightless doom," Ivers tells them). First, they explore Hoosier Hill (the highest point in Indiana, at 1,257 feet) Finch takes Violet's hand for the first time, and she feels "a little shock." Next they go to Violet's choice, Bookmobile Park Violet gets into a car for the first time since her and Eleanor's accident. Together they adhere to their "Rules for Wandering." They take turns choosing the destination they "take something, leave something" at each spot. They bring out the best in each other, beginning with lines from Virginia Woolf they share on Facebook. Finch tells Violet about his father's departure last summer for "the final time" (trading in Finch's family for "a new one he liked better") and the betrayal that led to his nickname. Violet confides in Finch about her survivor's guilt following a car accident that killed her sister, Eleanor, and from which Violet walked away. In alternating chapters narrated by Violet and Finch, each opens up to the other about their pasts. Niven constructs the project as not only a physical scavenger hunt of Indiana's star attractions but also a literal quest. geography project called "Wander Indiana." She even consents to be Finch's partner in a U.S. To Violet's credit, she sees "Freak" in a new light after their shared experience, and becomes willing to be seen talking with him in the hallways. So everyone naturally assumes that Violet saved Finch from leaping to his death, rather than the reverse. Finch continues, "Come here often? Because this is kind of my spot and I don't remember seeing you here before." Although his friends call him Finch, he's more widely known as "Freak" since eighth grade-reinforced by his outlandish behavior. "Take it from me, the worst thing you can do is look down." These are 17-year-old Theodore Finch's first words to former cheerleader Violet Markey. In the opening scene-one of the funniest in literature, for young people or adults-two teens from opposite sides of the social spectrum meet on the roof of their high school, where they've both come to contemplate jumping. Jennifer Niven's ( American Blonde Ada Blackjack) first YA novel is the story of two teens whose dark paths join to become filled with light and humor.
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