Chapter 17 Summary and 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
Chapter 17 opens with Sadie reflecting on how to write a strong history essay—start with evidence, then form an argument. She applies this logic to her growing feelings for Julius. Encouraged by Abigail’s phone call suggesting Julius might care for her, Sadie reviews moments that could prove his interest: helping her during the race, staying after the party, Max’s comment about Julius searching for the bakery, and a brief tender glance weeks ago. Though the evidence feels thin, she decides to confess.
The next morning on the bus, Sadie feels sick with nerves. Abigail advises her to act friendly. When Julius boards, looking tired, Sadie forces a strained greeting; he gives her a strange look and walks past. Humiliated, she bangs her head against the window. Abigail distracts her, and soon they arrive at Lake Averlore—a beautiful, secluded retreat.
The students settle into cabins that feature disturbing paintings of naked clowns. Sadie takes responsibility, but Rosie tells her not to apologize. Sadie covers the paintings using spare clothes, and the girls laugh together. For the first time, Sadie feels like she belongs rather than being the year’s villain.
During the first activity—canoeing—the instructor Dave splits the group into two teams. Abigail is chosen as one leader, Julius as the other. Julius picks Rosie first, then others, leaving Sadie as almost his last choice. Deeply hurt, Sadie volunteers to race Julius one-on-one. She paddles fiercely, ignoring his warnings. They argue on the lake about why she’s angry, and Sadie’s canoe collides with his. Her paddle snags on something, and she capsizes, falling into the water.
Key Events
- Sadie decides to confess her feelings to Julius after weighing the evidence
- Her attempt at a friendly greeting on the bus fails awkwardly
- The class arrives at Lake Averlore, a scenic mountain retreat
- Sadie covers the bizarre naked-clown paintings with classmates’ clothes, bonding with Rosie
- Julius picks his canoe team, excluding Sadie until nearly last
- Sadie challenges Julius to a one-on-one canoe race
- She and Julius argue mid-lake, collide, and Sadie’s canoe flips
Character Development
Sadie: This chapter highlights Sadie’s vulnerability and emotional internal conflict. She moves from a logical, essay-based mindset to a more impulsive, feeling-driven approach. Her awkward attempt at friendliness shows how unaccustomed she is to showing warmth toward Julius. Later, her humiliation at being last-picked transforms into fierce competitiveness. The clown-painting scene reveals a softer side—she willingly takes the blame but then learns to accept help and share laughter with peers, including her former rival Rosie.
Julius: Though seen only through Sadie’s perspective, Julius appears tired and distant. He picks Rosie first, suggesting either a strategic choice or genuine preference. His irritated warnings during the race indicate concern, but his actions continue to confuse Sadie.
Abigail: Provides unwavering support, offering advice, comic relief, and a calming presence. She wisely tells Sadie to ease into her confession and later helps shield her from embarrassment.
Rosie: Shows unexpected kindness, telling Sadie not to take responsibility for the paintings. The two share a genuine laugh, suggesting their relationship may be thawing.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Evidence vs. Emotion: Sadie begins with a rational, essay-style approach to her feelings (gathering evidence) but ultimately acts on emotion. The chapter questions whether love can be logically proven.
Social Hierarchy and Humiliation: Julius’s team picks expose the school’s social pecking order. Sadie being chosen last reinforces her perceived low status, driving her to compete recklessly.
The Unsettling and the Absurd: The naked-clown paintings symbolize the discomfort and strangeness of Sadie’s emotional state. Covering them becomes a bonding ritual that temporarily eases the tension.
Nature as Escape and Backdrop: Lake Averlore’s beauty offers a brief respite from school drama, yet the canoe race quickly re-injects conflict. The natural setting mirrors Sadie’s turbulent inner world—calm on the surface, stormy underneath.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 17 is a turning point in Sadie’s romantic arc. She resolves to confess, setting the stage for a potential confrontation. The canoe race introduces a physical competition that parallels the emotional power struggle between her and Julius. Additionally, Sadie’s interaction with Rosie marks a shift in her social standing—she begins to move from isolated outsider to accepted peer. The chapter establishes Lake Averlore as the new setting for upcoming revelations and deepening relationships.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Sadie decide to confess her feelings to Julius, despite her earlier hesitation?
Sadie is persuaded by Abigail’s phone call suggesting Julius might care for her. She then searches for evidence of his interest (helping her during the race, staying after the party, etc.) and, though she admits the evidence is weak, it is enough to convince herself to take the risk.
2. How does the scene with the clown paintings contribute to Sadie’s character development?
The absurdity of the paintings lightens the mood and allows Sadie to bond with her classmates, including Rosie. Instead of apologizing and retreating, Sadie takes action (covering the paintings) and accepts help. This moment shows her growing comfort with being just one of the group rather than the perfect student or the year’s villain.
3. What does Julius’s choice of team members reveal about his feelings toward Sadie?
Julius picks Rosie first and ignores Sadie until nearly last. This suggests either that he does not see Sadie as a priority, or that he is deliberately avoiding her. His later comments during the race (“What are you getting so angry for?”) imply he notices her reaction but fails to understand it, further complicating the emotional dynamic between them.