Portland

The city of Portland is the primary setting of the novel. It serves as a haven for people who are considered others. There is a growing gay community in the city during the 1990s. It is “broke, struggling with employment, mostly white, mostly hopeful even though there was no real change in sight” (3).

Bemidji, MN

Bemidji, MN is where Ryan ends up living after he leaves Andrea in the middle of the night with the intent to go for a drive. It is cold and the winter reminds Andrea of Nebraska when she arrives.

Nebraska

Nebraska is where Andrea is born and raised by a conservative Catholic family. It is where Andrea realizes she is gay, but knows that she will struggle to live her truth in such a conservative place.

Andrea’s Bungalow

Andrea’s Bungalow is where Andrea lives in Portland with Summer, her roommate. After...