Chapter 23 Summary: Logan's Love Poem and Grace's List
⚠️ 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
Logan sits at the kitchen table, frustrated while trying to write a love poem for Grace. His housemates Garrett and Tucker mock his rhyming attempts—he compares Grace’s lips to a cherry-red Cutlass car and tries to steal from “Amazing Grace.” Garrett texts his girlfriend Hannah about Logan’s antics. Logan later emails the poem to Grace, who replies with “D- on the poem.” Through text, Logan jokes about including dick pics in his next task—a collage—and Grace threatens to distribute them. Logan declares he will get that date and moves on to task #6.
Grace, alone in her room, laughs at the poem’s car and hockey similes and its chaotic rhyme scheme. Despite the poem’s quality, she feels a happy flutter. Her roommate Daisy returns, sees the poem, and finds it hilarious. Grace shows Daisy the full list of six romantic gestures she sent Logan the night before. Daisy is impressed by his willingness to comply and calls Grace evil for the list’s absurdity, like ordering blue roses. Daisy asks how many tasks Logan has completed; Grace says only the poem so far. The chapter ends with Daisy teasing Grace about her compulsive need to fold laundry, and they share a laugh over Daisy’s wrinkled clothes.
Key Events
- Logan struggles to write a love poem for Grace; his housemates mock his attempts.
- Garrett texts Hannah updates about Logan’s poetry, violating bro code.
- Logan emails the poem to Grace and receives a D- grade.
- Their texting banter escalates with threats of dick-pic collages and photocopies.
- Grace shows the poem and the full list to her roommate Daisy.
- Daisy finds the list absurd and calls Grace evil, but also respects her strategy.
- The two roommates bond over Grace’s tidiness compulsion and fold laundry together.
Character Development
- Logan: Demonstrates persistence and vulnerability by trying to write poetry despite his lack of skill. His willingness to endure his friends’ teasing and to complete Grace’s list shows he is serious about winning her back. His playful texts reveal his confidence and humor.
- Grace: She is cautiously optimistic. By giving Logan a D- but secretly enjoying the poem, she shows she wants to see genuine effort rather than perfection. Discussing the list with Daisy helps Grace voice her doubts and her desire to test Logan’s commitment.
- Garrett: Acts as a comic foil, texting Hannah to mock Logan. His loyalty to Hannah over the bro code hints at his own growth from earlier books.
- Daisy: Introduced as a new character, she is perceptive and supportive of Grace’s strategy. Her southern background and hockey knowledge create an instant bond with Grace. She respects Grace’s need for boundaries (e.g., her no-touch list for shoes and music), and she encourages Grace’s plan.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Effort over perfection: Logan’s terrible poem is a symbol of his earnest attempt, not a flawless product. Grace values the act of trying more than the result.
- Testing trust: Grace’s list is a deliberate obstacle to gauge Logan’s tenacity and sincerity. It echoes earlier themes in the book of rebuilding broken trust after Logan’s mistake.
- Friendship as support: Both Garrett/Tucker and Daisy provide commentary that reflects the main characters’ inner thoughts. Daisy’s approval validates Grace’s approach, while the male housemates’ mockery highlights Logan’s vulnerability.
- Humor as shield: The exaggerated banter about dick pics and copying poems defuses tension and allows the characters to address serious feelings without becoming overly emotional.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the romantic tension by showing both perspectives: Logan’s genuine albeit clumsy effort, and Grace’s guarded but hopeful reaction. It introduces Daisy as a confidante who helps Grace articulate her reasons for the list. The chapter also advances the subplot of Logan’s relationship with his friends, reinforcing that he cares enough to endure their teasing. The list’s presence drives the plot forward, setting up the remaining tasks and increasing anticipation for the eventual date.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What is Grace’s reaction to Logan’s poem?
Grace finds the poem objectively terrible—bad similes, chaotic rhyme scheme—but she admits it makes her heart do “happy dolphin flips.” She gives it a D- but is secretly pleased that he tried, showing she values his effort over quality.
2. Why does Grace create the list of six romantic gestures?
Grace explains to Daisy that she is making Logan “jump through a few hoops” because she is not sure he is serious about her after his earlier mistake. The list tests his tenacity and commitment before she agrees to a date.
3. How does Daisy react to the list, and what does that reveal about Grace’s character?
Daisy finds the list hilarious and calls Grace evil, but she clearly approves of the strategy. Her reaction validates Grace’s need to protect herself while still giving Logan a chance. It also shows Grace is thoughtful and willing to open up to a new friend.