Cheese curds

At the Minnesota State Fair, Olive first meets Ethan while eating cheese curds. When Ethan distances himself shortly after this encounter, Olive is certain it is because he is disgusted by her appearance and the fact that she was eating unhealthy food. The cheese curds become the symbol for Olive's dislike of Ethan as well as her own insecurities about herself.

Olive's Apartment

Olive is by nature a homebody. Her apartment is therefore representative of her need for comfort and safety. In the start of the book, Olive is not known for taking risks or putting herself out there. As the story progresses, Olive grows and begins to challenge herself to change her perspective on life. Her apartment was once a place of refuge and as she becomes more proactive in changing her life, she forces herself to get outside of it and find new...