Summary

In Chapter 7, Jacob recalls Evan Parker and wonders if Evan ever finished writing his novel. Jacob searches online for Evan and the book but finds no results. Eventually, he manages to find an obituary stating that Evan died, but the cause of death is not listed. The date of death indicates that Evan died not long after Evan left Ripley. Suddenly, Jacob feels tempted to write a novel using Evan’s plot idea. Jacob rationalizes the theft by telling himself that it would be a shame for such a great story to go unused.

Chapter 8 shifts ahead three years. Jacob is now a very famous and successful author, as his newest novel—which is entitled Crib, and which uses Evan’s plot—has become extremely successful. The book’s publisher has sent Jacob on several nationwide book tours. The book has sold over two...