Crutcher dedicates the novel "For all those who finally stand up for themselves." Every major character in the novel develops a more concrete understanding of themselves and their classmates by coming to understand that they are more than a few characteristics. Crutcher also says, through Carver Middleton, "Taking on someone else's monsters will kill you."
Body image is also thematically important. Sarah Byrnes and Eric Calhoune both have physical issues that cause people to see them differently, but they also see themselves negatively; by the end of the text, this view is proved to be erroneous.
Other themes are friendship and trust. Sarah admits that she never fully trusted Eric, but learns to do so by giving him a very personal letter. Friendships are also made between Sarah Byrnes and Dale Thornton, and between Eric and Mark Brittain.
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