Life and Death

The theme of life and death is explored from a variety of standpoints. First, Beth's battle with cancer has an unpredictable course, causing main characters to reconsider their relationship to her, to one another, and to their own mortality.

Also, a theme throughout the novel is fact that the main characters are middle aged. Because of this represents the possible passing of opportunity, getting older and more vulnerable, and eventually dying, the stakes are heightened as they try to navigate life decisions. Barrett, for instance, wonders if his chance at real love has passed him by, and both approaches and avoids the possibility of meeting someone new. Tyler grapples with the reality of his many years' unsuccessful striving in the music business. He wonders if Beth will die before he finds the success he dreams of, and whether success will happen in his own...