Part 1, Hell: Chapters 1-9 Summary

Jennifer Donnelly is the award-winning author of two adult novels and one young adult novel.

Andi is at the apartment of a school friend where they hang out before school. Andi humiliates one friend in a discussion over his appearance and alienates another who tries to compliment her guitar playing.

Andi skips school to play her guitar. Andi speaks with a homeless man whom she discusses music.

Andi returns to school for her music class, but is sidelined by the headmistress. The headmistress is concerned about the slip in Andi's grades since the death of her brother two years ago. The headmistress has sent letters of warning to both of Andi's parents and tells her that her only chance of graduating is if she completes the senior thesis.

Andi passes the location where her brother was killed...