Chapter 17 Summary

In this section of the novel, people begin to suffer with the effects of the length of the sunlight to which they are exposed. Murder and violence rates begin to spike during these stretches of daylight. People take more risks and are not as able to control their impulses. Julia thinks this lack of control caused by prolonged sunlight may have been the cause of her father's relationship with Sylvia. The next morning when her father comes in from "work" Julia hates him. She is angry at the way that he is so relaxed. Julia is surprised that despite the secret she has learned, the world continues to spin.

On New Year's Eve Julia's mother drives her to stay at her grandfather's house to spend the night. She tells Julia that her New Year's resolution is to worry less. She also tells Julia...