Chapter summaries Any Way the Wind Blows Rainbow Rowell

Chapter 16 Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Baz is alone in his aunt’s Chelsea flat, blasting Joni Mitchell’s lyrics on a loop, when a pounding on the door turns out to be Simon. Simon has come because he cannot stop thinking about Baz’s accusation that he gave up. In the hallway, Simon blurts out that Baz was right: Simon never tried. Baz slams the door, then opens it again and demands an explanation. Simon explains that after losing his magic, he never believed the relationship could work; he thought it would be easier to brace for failure than to risk trying. Baz is hurt but lets him in. Simon admits he loves Baz and wants to try—to see if things can be different. Baz makes Simon promise he will never give up without a fight, that he will give the “full Simon Snow treatment” before walking away. Simon agrees, and they kiss repeatedly, beginning a fragile reconciliation.

Key Events

  • Baz is in his flat, listening to loud music (James Blake covering Joni Mitchell), annoyed by neighbours.
  • Simon arrives unannounced; Baz is angry and sarcastic.
  • Simon insists he came to say Baz was right about not trying.
  • Baz reopens the door and demands clarity.
  • Simon confesses he never believed they would last and that he gave up preemptively.
  • Simon says he wants to try, because he loves Baz.
  • Baz asks for commitment to fight before giving up; Simon promises.
  • They embrace and kiss several times.

Character Development

Simon Snow – This chapter marks a turning point. Simon finally admits his passive pattern of giving up on things he cares about, especially after losing his magic. He shows vulnerability by confessing his fear and his love, and he makes a deliberate choice to try instead of wait for disaster. His growth lies in moving from self‑protective resignation to active effort.

Baz Pitch – Baz is raw and wounded, having been left by Simon. He cycles through anger, sarcasm, and deep hurt, but also shows willingness to listen and give Simon another chance. Baz’s demand for the “full Simon Snow treatment” reveals how much he values Simon’s fierce determination—and how much he needs to feel fought for. Baz’s patience and love are evident in his willingness to let Simon back in.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Trying vs. Giving Up – The entire confrontation revolves around Simon’s admission that he “never tried.” Baz insists that trying is essential to their relationship.
  • Love and Fear – Simon’s love is entangled with fear of loss, causing him to sabotage the relationship before it can fail. Baz’s love is expressed through stubborn waiting and a demand for effort.
  • Music as Emotional Anchor – Baz loops the Joni Mitchell/James Blake song “You’re in my blood, you’re my holy wine….” The lyrics mirror the bittersweet, addictive quality of his love for Simon.
  • The “Full Simon Snow Treatment” – Baz uses this phrase to describe Simon’s characteristic all‑out fight. It symbolizes the commitment to persist and not give up.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 16 is the emotional core of Simon and Baz’s reconciliation arc. It directly addresses the fracture that occurred in the previous chapter (Simon’s breakup note) and begins to heal the wound. Simon’s self‑awareness and Baz’s willingness to accept an apology and a promise pave the way for their relationship to rebuild. Without this conversation, their story would remain stuck in cyclical hurt.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Simon initially tell Baz he came to say he was sorry, then change it to saying Baz was right?
Simon’s first instinct is to apologize, but he realizes apology is not what Baz needs. By admitting Baz was right about never trying, Simon takes responsibility and shifts from empty regret to a genuine desire to change.

2. What does Baz mean when he demands “the full Simon Snow treatment”?
Baz wants Simon to apply the same fierce, stubborn effort he used against enemies (locking his jaw, squinting, slaying dragons) to their relationship. He needs to see Simon fight for him rather than give up.

3. How does Simon’s fear of losing everything prevent him from trying in the first place?
Simon explains that after losing his magic and his place in the World of Mages, he expected to lose Baz too. He tells himself to “enjoy it while I could” rather than invest hope, because he thinks trying would make the eventual loss more painful. Baz’s counter‑argument is that failing to try guarantees losing him.

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