Chapter 17: Summary, Analysis, and Discussion Questions

⚠️ 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

The day before the town meeting, Jake and Jenna board the school bus without Brett, whose mother is driving him in. Jenna shares her excitement about an upcoming band audition, mentioning that Connor thinks she is a shoo-in. She admits she is nervous about marching but is working on it. Jake teases her about her slow-burn friendship with Zack, and she playfully deflects by pointing out that Brett is not responding to texts and no longer takes the bus. Jake insists he does not have a crush on Brett, only that he values their new friendship. Jenna recalls her late mother's advice to be kind to everyone and see who returns that kindness, which leads Jake to express frustration with townspeople and teachers who claim to be progressive but fail to offer real support. Jenna suggests they let the town embarrass themselves at the meeting, and if kindness does not work, they can be less kind next time.

In math class, Jake overhears Brett arguing with Mr. Foley about his grades. Brett is frustrated that his mother pressures him to get an A, but he cannot keep up because of nightly dinners, events, and volunteer commitments. Mr. Foley mentions rumors about Brett being part of an extracurricular initiative he might not want to be associated with, and Brett denies any involvement. Jake is hurt by this denial and leaves the room, heading to a utility closet to hide. He thinks about the failed Songbird Hollow event and fears the same outcome for the upcoming town meeting.

Brett finds Jake in the closet and apologizes. He explains that his mother has become much more demanding since Susan Lee officially entered the mayoral race. Susan Lee is a well-known auctioneer and Realtor in Barton Springs, and Brett's mother is furious about the competition. Jake wonders what Susan Lee would think of the pride festival, but Brett reveals he cannot join the presentation. He fears that publicly associating with the cause would out him, and he is not ready for that. Jake initially pushes back, suggesting Brett could simply call himself an ally, but Brett insists he does not feel safe doing so. Jake apologizes for pressuring him and asks Brett to at least attend the meeting, which Brett agrees to do. The bell rings, and they head to their next classes.

Key Events

Jake and Jenna ride the bus without Brett; Jenna discusses her band audition and her friendship with Connor.
Jake expresses frustration with people who claim to be progressive but do not support him.
Jake overhears Brett arguing with Mr. Foley about grades and a rumored extracurricular activity; Brett denies involvement.
Jake leaves class and hides in a utility closet, thinking about the failed Songbird Hollow event.
Brett finds Jake and apologizes, explaining his mother's increased pressure since Susan Lee entered the mayoral race.
Brett tells Jake he cannot join the presentation because it would feel like coming out, but he agrees to attend the meeting.

Character Development

Jake shows significant emotional growth in this chapter. He is vulnerable, hiding in a closet and crying, but he also demonstrates empathy when he apologizes to Brett for pressuring him. His initial frustration with the townspeople's fake progressiveness softens as he realizes that Brett's situation is more complex. Jake learns that being an ally is not always simple, and he prioritizes his friendship over his desire for public support.

Brett is revealed to be under immense pressure from his mother, who is politically ambitious and demanding. His denial of involvement in the pride initiative is not a betrayal but a survival mechanism. He is afraid of being outed and feels unsafe, which makes his decision to attend the meeting—even without presenting—a meaningful step. His vulnerability in the closet scene shows his trust in Jake.

Jenna continues to be a supportive friend, offering practical advice about kindness and confrontation. Her mother's advice about being kind to everyone shapes her worldview, and she encourages Jake to give the town a chance to show their true colors before escalating.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Parental Pressure: Brett's mother's political ambitions and academic expectations weigh heavily on him, affecting his choices and his ability to be open about his identity.
Fear of Public Association: Brett's refusal to join the presentation highlights the fear of being publicly linked to LGBTQ+ causes, which can feel like a forced coming out.
Allyship vs. Coming Out: The chapter explores the difference between being an ally and being ready to come out, showing that allyship is not always safe or possible for everyone.
Hiding: The utility closet serves as a literal and symbolic hiding place for Jake, and Brett's denial of involvement is a form of hiding as well.
Political Rivalry: Susan Lee's entry into the mayoral race intensifies the pressure on Brett's mother, indirectly affecting Jake and Brett's friendship.
Kindness vs. Confrontation: Jenna's advice to be kind first, then less kind if needed, sets up a strategy for the town meeting.
Failure of Past Event: Jake's memory of the failed Songbird Hollow event foreshadows his fear that the pride festival will meet the same fate.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is pivotal because it directly sets the stage for the town meeting, which is the climax of the novel's central conflict. It deepens the relationship between Jake and Brett, showing that their friendship can withstand misunderstanding and fear. The chapter also introduces Susan Lee as a political threat, raising the stakes for Brett's mother and, by extension, for the pride festival. Most importantly, it explores the nuanced reality of coming out and allyship, demonstrating that not everyone can publicly support a cause without risking their safety. Jake's growth in empathy and Brett's decision to attend the meeting—even without presenting—show that progress can happen in small, personal steps.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Brett deny being part of the extracurricular initiative to Mr. Foley?

Brett denies involvement because he fears that being publicly associated with the pride initiative would out him. He is not ready for his mother or the town to know he is gay, and he feels unsafe. His denial is a protective measure, not a rejection of Jake or the cause.

2. How does Jake's reaction to Brett's denial change over the course of the chapter?

Initially, Jake is hurt and leaves the room, feeling betrayed. But after Brett explains his mother's pressure and his fear of coming out, Jake apologizes for pressuring him. He realizes that Brett's situation is different from his own and that he should not force Brett to take a public stand. This shows Jake's growth in empathy.

3. What role does Jenna's advice about kindness play in the chapter?

Jenna advises Jake to be kind and let the townspeople show their homophobia, and if that does not work, they can be less kind next time. This sets a strategy for the town meeting and reflects a balanced approach to activism—giving people a chance to change before escalating confrontation.