Grin and Bear It

Grin and Bear It (known as GNB by the residents) is the small town that Simon and his family move to at the beginning of the novel. As the center for the SETI project, it is home to large telescopes that can be disrupted by electromagnetic rays. This means that GND is essentially off the grid, with no TV, radio, or internet. It is also split into two main factions; the farmers and the scientists, with different businesses for both. However, while Simon says that people often adhere to those labels, the two are mostly friendly with each other.

Slaughter and Sons

Slaughter and Sons is the name of the funeral home that Simon’s mother takes over. It also doubles as the O’Keeffe’s home, with their living space on one side and the morgue on the other. It is here where Simon...