Love

Through the characterization of Shadi, January’s mother, and Gus, the author explores the different types of love that are present in January’s life. These types of love are platonic love, parental love, and romantic love.

Shadi’s relationship with January symbolizes platonic love. When Shadi tells January that she has never seen her fall in love until now and tells her what happens when someone falls in love, January says, “That’s how I felt when I found you” (337). The two girls profess their love for each other. Shadi says, “I love you, Janie” (337). January responds by saying, “I love you more” (337). However, their love for each other is not sexual. The attraction is at the level of the soul. January says that she “met Shadi in a pizza shop bathroom when she came out of the stall wearing the best Frye boots [she...