Set in a near-future Bronx, the story follows 16-year-old Aaron Soto, who is struggling to find his footing after his father’s suicide.
: In this world, the Leteo Institute offers a revolutionary memory-alteration procedure that can erase traumatic or unwanted memories. Aaron considers this procedure to "straighten himself out" and forget the parts of himself that make his life difficult. Deep Analysis of Themes More Happy Than Not
: Aaron's life is complicated by a "smile-shaped scar" on his wrist and a newfound attraction to a boy named Thomas, which clashes with his existing life, his girlfriend Genevieve, and his rough-and-tumble neighborhood crew. Set in a near-future Bronx, the story follows
: Unlike many YA novels, Silvera’s work is noted for its "brutal" and "authentic" portrayal of lower-class life in the Bronx. It avoids a typical "everything turns out fine" ending, opting instead for a more realistic and often gut-wrenching conclusion. Critical Reception Deep Analysis of Themes : Aaron's life is