Summary

Chapter 1 is titled “The Boy Who Died.” Jacob and his mother live on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, on the day he is taken to the hospital after a wreck. He has distorted memories of the accident that involve his mother, Lily, but they are so fantastic that he believes they are false memories.

Chapter 2, “The Uncle Who Wasn't," opens with a man arriving in Jacob's hospital room. He introduces himself as John Laudner, Jacob's paternal uncle. Jacob has never heard of John. Jacob's last name is Lau and he later discovers that his father changed his name when he distanced himself from the family. John tells Jacob that Lily is missing and that Jacob was apparently driving. Jacob argues that, but John points out a circular bruise on Jacob's chest that looks like it was made by a steering wheel. Jacob says...