Soul

Walker describes her Soul as an illusive part of herself. She believes it exists higher than intellect. The book represents a quest to define Walker's soul.

Jackson

Jackson is Walker's birthplace. Living there, her family enjoys harmony within, despite various pressures from without.

Brooklyn

From Jackson, Walker's family moves to Brooklyn. There, they all begin to drift apart.

Bronx

After her parents divorce, Walker and her mother move to the Bronx, which represents a poorer lifestyle. When Walker begins interacting with the Hispanics there, she notices that, though her father only lives down the street, he never could fit in.

San Fransisco

Walker's mother moves to San Fransisco, which causes Walker to cross the country every two years and leads to much fragmentation in her life. Walker points out several times that her father cannot understand her life in San Fransisco because he never visits her there...