Symptoms of Being Human

In the Author’s Note, Jeff Garvin explains that he intentionally avoided mentioning Riley’s assigned gender. How does Garvin’s choice to exclude this information affect how readers interact with the text?

How does the novel challenge stereotypes about gender identity and the transgender community? In what different ways does it present information for those who may be unfamiliar with these issues? Which ways of presenting information are most effective and which less so? Why?

What role does pop/nerd culture play in the way that characters express themselves and relate to each other?