The entire book is set in contemporary New York City. The Abrahmses and Campbells live in fairly expensive apartments; in fact, Marc's apartment overlooks Central Park. The boys attend the same private school. Sean's father directs television commercials; Marc's father is a dentist. The book provides the reader with a feeling for New York City life as experienced by fairly affluent but not wealthy young adults.

The book begins in early September, just before the start of the school year.

The main action ends in early January, when Sean is bar mitzvahed. The book itself ends just before winter vacation in March.