Themes
Natasha relies on this academic field to explain the world, while Daniel relies more on art and emotion. What academic field are we talking about?
What is science?
A story told using “I” is written in this point of view.
What is first person?
This family member of Natasha’s caused the immigration trouble by getting a DUI, which exposed the family’s undocumented status.
Who is her father?
Daniel’s parents constantly push him toward this career, even though he dreams of writing poetry. What career is it?
What is medicine / being a doctor?
Daniel believes this powerful force brought him and Natasha together, while Natasha strongly doubts it. What is this force?
What is fate or destiny
If a story moves back to an earlier moment to reveal important information, it's using this.
What is a flashback?
This person—connected to both Daniel and Natasha—ends up having a surprising long-term impact on their futures because of a single split-second decision.
Who is the security guard/flight attendant (Irene)?
Their first real conversation happens when Daniel helps Natasha avoid this kind of disaster.
What is being hit by a car / stepping into traffic?
This theme is shown as Natasha faces deportation and questions where “home” truly is.
What is identity/belonging?
This technique gives human qualities to nonhuman things, like emotions or objects.
What is personification?
This lawyer gives Natasha hope—but later disappoints her when a personal crisis affects his work.
Who is Attorney Jeremy Fitzgerald?
Daniel writes one of these for Natasha after they spend the day together, showing how strongly he already feels.
What is a poem?
Throughout the book, the chapters from side characters remind readers that small choices create big effects—an idea often called this scientific term. What term is it?
What is the butterfly effect?
When a story starts in the middle of the action, it’s using this Latin phrase.
What is in medias res?
Favored by his parents despite repeated failures, this character’s arrogance and success in their eyes create pressure and insecurity for Daniel.
Who is Charlie?
Daniel impresses Natasha by doing this spontaneously during their karaoke visit.
What is singing?