Chapter Thirty-Two 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

Frankie and George drive to a rainforest trail despite heavy rain. Frankie is panicking after their earlier hammock moment, but the beauty of the ancient trees calms her. George points out species and shares his awe at being alive. At a fork, they descend into a valley, where Frankie opens her arms to the mist. George catches a raindrop on his tongue, and Frankie feels an overwhelming desire to kiss him. She breaks her earlier promise not to kiss him and leans in. They share an intense, demanding kiss that feels volcanic. After pulling apart, they both acknowledge it was a mistake—Frankie was supposed to marry Nate, and George just ended a relationship. They agree to try to forget it but admit they may not be able to.

Key Events

Frankie and George drive to a rainforest trail while it rains heavily.
They hike through ancient trees; George identifies western red cedars, grand firs, and hemlocks.
Frankie experiences a moment of awe, stretching like a tree and opening her mouth to the rain.
George expresses gratitude for being alive with Frankie.
Frankie initiates a kiss, breaking her promise.
They share a passionate, demanding kiss, described as volcanic.
After pulling apart, they admit the kiss was a mistake.
They discuss complications: Frankie’s near-wedding to Nate and George’s recent breakup.
They decide to try to forget the kiss but doubt they can.

Character Development

Frankie: Frankie grapples with sudden romantic feelings for George, which she had suppressed for years. She moves from panic to awe to desire, ultimately breaking her own rule. She is forced to confront the depth of her attraction and the risk to their friendship.

George: George is more measured but equally affected. He shows vulnerability when he admits he forgot about his recent breakup. His willingness to kiss Frankie and his honesty about not knowing if there’s a right time reveal his own confusion. He respects Frankie’s boundaries but clearly shares her longing.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Rainforest as catalyst: The ancient, majestic trees and rain strip away pretense, allowing hidden feelings to surface. The “nurse logs” symbolize support and growth from decay, mirroring how their friendship might transform.
The kiss as a storm: The kiss is described as volcanic, a fight, a force of nature. It represents an uncontrollable eruption of suppressed desire.
Memory montage: Frankie recalls moments from their past (birthday, window, tattoos) where she fought attraction, emphasizing long-standing tension.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter Thirty-Two is a turning point in the novel. The kiss between Frankie and George shatters their platonic foundation, introducing unavoidable romantic tension. It forces both characters to reconsider their relationship and the promises they have made. The chapter also explores the theme of timing—whether there is ever a “right time” for such a shift. It sets up the central conflict of the remaining story: can they preserve their friendship while acknowledging their true feelings?

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Frankie say she cannot keep her promise not to kiss George?
Frankie’s feelings overwhelm her in the rainforest. The awe-inspiring setting and George’s vulnerability make her realize she has been lying to herself about her attraction. She breaks the promise because she can no longer suppress the desire she has felt for years.
How does George respond when Frankie says they should forget the kiss?
George agrees verbally but his actions betray doubt. He admits he cannot guarantee he will forget, and he reiterates that the kiss was volcanic, showing he is equally conflicted. His physical cues—staring at her lips, hesitating—indicate he wants more.
What does the rainforest symbolize in this chapter?
The rainforest symbolizes a space outside normal life where hidden truths emerge. Its ancient grandeur, rain, and moss create an intimate, almost otherworldly atmosphere that encourages self-reflection. The trees’ resilience and interdependence mirror the strength and potential fragility of Frankie and George’s friendship.