Summary

The novel opens with an advertisement for the Leteo Institute, which promises that a “cutting-edge memory relief procedure” (2) can eliminate unwanted or painful memories. Part One is titled Happiness. Chapter 1 is titled “Sucker-Punching Memories.” Aaron Soto is the narrator and he has learned that the Leteo procedure actually works. It sounds futuristic and he initially misunderstood the procedure. He did not believe it was possible at first. Aaron's “sort of best friend” Brendan says a teen named Kyle is proof it works. Kyle lived in Aaron's neighborhood. Kyle had a twin brother named Kenneth who was murdered by an angry man who meant to kill Kyle. Aaron knows grief could be a terrible thing but cannot imagine the level of grief Kyle would feel. Brendan's parents are both in jail. Aaron's father Mark committed suicide. Aaron lives in a one-bedroom apartment...