The setting of Facing Up is not an integral part of the story. While it is set in modern-day Long Island, just about any city would have worked as well.

Revolving around the high school and the homes of the teen-age characters, much of the action in Facing Up takes place in and around cars. The tragedy on which the novel centers occurs on a darkened highway as a result of an inexperienced driver combined with hazardous driving conditions.

The last chapters of the novel take place in the countryside as Dave travels to Montauk Point. At a little-used beach at the end of Long Island, Dave finally comes to terms with the changes in his life. There is a suggestion that the change of scenery is necessary for Dave to have a chance to understand the implications of Jep's death and his own role in it. It...