Chapter 22: Thin Air Summary and Analysis

In this chapter, Neil becomes more distant. Everyone around the Finch house notices, especially Augusten. Late one night, Neil wakens Augusten, saying he is going out to buy film. Augusten immediately begins to worry. After some hours without Neil reappearing, Augusten calls the train station, only to learn one person purchased a ticket bound for New York City.

Augusten calls Hope, who in turn calls Dr. Finch. Together, Hope and Augusten travel to New York and search through known gay bars, without results. Augusten, as narrator, remembers he spent one whole year hoping Neil would return, and feeling restless and lonely.

Even though Augusten frequently felt strong feelings against Neil Bookman, when Neil leaves, Augusten feels the loss of someone who understands his feelings about his sexuality.

Such feelings parallel Natalie's feelings after she returns home form...