The School Story

The final two chapters of the novel feature the climax of the story and further exploration of the book’s main themes. These chapters also wrap up the story arcs for the five central characters of the book. 

In Chapter 19, upon receiving her first edited draft from the publishing company, Natalie feels discouraged and overwhelmed by the “dozens of Post-it notes—the yellow ones were editorial suggestions, and the pink ones flagged grammar questions” (163-64). Natalie feels like this means her book isn’t good, but Ms. Clayton responds that Natalie’s mom is “telling you how to make a good book into a great book” (164). Ms. Clayton encourages Natalie to take it slow and not feel overwhelmed by the number of edits she must work through. Later, when Natalie expresses to Zoe that she’s worried the book won’t turn out right or will not be popular, Zoe gives Natalie a pep talk as well. Zoe asks, “How could anyone not like this book, Natalie? This book is so good that even Letha the Grumphead liked it, remember?” (166).

Between Ms. Clayton and Zoe’s encouraging talks, Natalie finds the motivation to press onward and work through the multitude of edits. These moments build on the overarching theme of The Power of Positive Thinking and Perseverance. This theme is also developed on Zoe’s side by her actions once the book is fully in Natalie’s hands. Zoe at first feels as though her “part in all this is over,” and she doesn’t “know what to do” now that the book just needs to be edited (165). However, after encouraging Natalie, Zoe realizes “her part in all this wasn’t over, not by a long shot” (167). Zoe then takes it upon herself to organize a publication party for The Cheater with the publisher. Zoe goes to great lengths to ensure the party happens, and she even recruits the news to cover the party to generate more publicity for the book. Zoe’s work sets the stage for the novel’s climax and helps to communicate the value in perseverance.

The success of the publication party is not entirely on Zoe, however. As Natalie works through her edits, she and Hannah build a relationship outside the confines of their familial ties. Through their back and forth, “Natalie felt like she was getting to know her mom in a way she never had before” (168). Hannah also “felt close to Cassandra Day and had loved their little exchanges about the manuscript” (176). Because of this closeness and her desire to meet Cassandra Day in person, Hannah eventually agrees to Zee Zee Reisman’s idea of a publication party because it gives her an opportunity to be face to face with Cassandra Day. The theme of Honesty Versus Deceit is developed through these character interactions. Without the cover of Cassandra Day, Natalie would not have been able to get to know her mother on a professional level. This deception also creates the mystery around Cassandra Day that motivates Hannah Nelson to go along with the party idea, showing how deception can be beneficial in some circumstances. 

This theme returns for the day of the party. Zoe does not tell Natalie or Ms. Clayton about the publication party. In fact, “Zoe had bugged [Natalie] and begged her and driven her batty” because she wanted Natalie to bring Ms. Clayton to the publishing company for a tour. It isn’t until they arrive on the 16th floor that the party is revealed to Natalie, creating an intense moment for Natalie to realize that there is an entire party for her and her book. Zoe’s deception about her motivations for wanting to visit the publishing office sets up a heartfelt moment that leads into the climax of the book, in which Natalie and Zoe reveal the true identities of Cassandra Day and Zee Zee Reisman to Natalie’s mom and the rest of the publishing company. This revelation finally unifies the identities of Natalie and Cassandra Day in Hannah’s eyes and relieves Natalie of the burden of keeping everything a secret from her mother. This honesty that follows a long pattern of deception creates a sense of relief for the characters, allowing the rest of the book to come to a smooth close. 

Natalie’s book as a motif for The Effects of Loss is revisited both during the editing process and after the final revelation. While editing The Cheater, Hannah writes a note about the scene with the girl and her father, expressing how it makes her “think about my own life, and my father, and my own daughter’s life too” (169). Hannah Nelson picks up on the heartfelt exploration of father-daughter relationships that Natalie included in the novel even without knowing the direct connection between the book and Natalie.

This connection is further explored after Natalie reveals herself as the author. Hannah tells Natalie that she “almost didn’t want you to read this book [...] because of the parts about Angela and her father. I thought those sections might be too hard for you” (189). Natalie responds that “[t]hose parts were hard to write. But I wanted to remember Daddy. I wanted to feel what it would be like if he was still here. I don’t want to forget him, not ever” (189). Natalie still feels the effects of her father’s death, and she has channeled that emotion into her writing. The strong relationship between her main character and her main character’s father is a representation of the way Natalie wishes her own father were still present in her life. These moments emphasize the theme of The Effects of Loss by using the book as a motif for exploring those effects. 

These chapters close out the character arcs for the main characters and give happy endings to everyone, even Letha. Natalie and Zoe’s arcs wrap up in the final pages of Chapter 20. Having succeeded in their plan, their friendship is stronger than ever, despite the ups and downs the girls experienced through the publishing process. This is proven in their interactions at the end of summer. Natalie wants to give Zoe a bigger portion of the book’s royalties, but Zoe argues that “I helped get it to the right person, but after that, it was all you. My share’s just right” (195). Zoe also suggests that Natalie “hire a real agent” for her next book, but Natalie rebuts, “Who could be more real than you?” (195). The aftermath of publishing The Cheater shows that the girls have an everlasting bond, made stronger by their experiences throughout the novel. Natalie feels so good in this moment that she “[wants] to put this feeling into a book someday” (196), showing that Natalie’s confidence as a writer has grown throughout the book. 

Hannah, Ms. Clayton, and Letha also get positive endings. Because of the success of The Cheater, Letha is offered a better position at a different publishing company, which she takes. With Letha’s absence, Hannah is promoted into Letha’s former position, which is “a big jump for her” (192). Additionally, Ms. Clayton’s involvement boosts the popularity of the Deary School as well as her own popularity among teachers and students. The positive outcomes for all characters involved is a direct result of the hard work of Zoe and Natalie to get the book published and recognized, showing that hard work, positive thinking, and perseverance are invaluable qualities to have.