Flipped

Throughout the novel, change results directly and indirectly when a character gains a new perspective on a topic, another character, or life in general. The most important example of this theme is Bryce’s change of heart toward Juli once he sheds his blinders of fear and stubbornness. This occurs over the story's climax, falling action, and resolution. Several experiences contribute to Bryce’s “flipped” perspective, including seeing Juli’s image anew in the paper; the dinner party, at which he realizes the Bakers are the more loving and functional family unit despite his father’s crass judgments of them; and the auction, when jealousy (over Juli’s choice of Jon Trulock) and panic (that, after years of pushing her away, she might really be gone) take over.

Other more subtle examples of change resulting from a new perspective populate the novel before Bryce “flips.” Julie’s view changes literally and figuratively as she climbs the sycamore tree; she sees and feels magic as separate elements come together to surround her:

It wasn’t long before I wasn’t afraid of being up so high and found the spot that became my spot. I could sit there for hours, just looking out at the world.