A little about Jodi

Jodi Lynn Picoult was born on May 19, 1966, in Nesconset on Long Island in New York. Picoult studied writing at Princeton University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She also earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University. The theme of her novels usually associates ethical issues, which are judged from various viewpoints to create an understandment of multiple sides of the situation. She was awarded the New England Bookseller Award for fiction in 2003. Picoult currently has some 14 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Characters

• Peter Houghton: The offender who shot and killed people and injured nineteen at his school, Sterling High.
  
• Josie Cormier: Peter's ex-best friend and Matt's current girlfriend.
• Alex Cormier: Josie's mother and Patrick's love interest. She is a judge at the Superior court in Grafton County.
• Patrick Ducharme: Detective on the Sterling Police Force and Alex's love interest (a recurring character in Picoult's novels.)
  
• Lacy Houghton: Peter's mother. A midwife. Used to be Alex Cormier's good friend.
• Lewis Houghton: Peter's Father. A happiness critic and college lecturer.
• Matt Royston: Josie's boyfriend. A jock. A bully.
• Jordan McAfee: Peter's defense attorney (a recurring character in Picoult's novels.)
• Selena McAfee: Jordan's wife who assists with her husband's case
• Drew: One of the popular kids who was only wounded in the shooting.
• Brady: Another popular kid who dated Courtney.
• Derek: Peter's only friend after Josie leaves him for the popular crowd.
• Mr. McCabe: A closeted gay teacher who ends up dying during the shooting.
• Joey: Peter's dead brother.
• Logan: Josie's biological father.

Victims

In order of death,

• Maddie Shaw: Josie's friend and a popular student.
• Courtney Ignatio: Josie's friend and a popular student.
• Whit Obermeyer: Alex's old boss.
  
• Topher McPhee: The school's pot dealer.
• Grace Murtaugh: Daughter of the town's minister.
• Kaitlyn Harvey: A freshman with special needs.
• Edward McCabe: The only teacher killed and Peter's former math teacher. He is gay.
• Noah James: Senior and a jock.
• Matt Royston: A popular jock, Josie's hot boyfriend. Most boys want to be him.

For the Reader

The purpose of this blog is to provide background information for the novel "Nineteen Minutes", and to intrigue the audience into reading this book. A few words about the author, Jodi Picoult, and her career milestones will be available for the reader to view. On this blog I will include posts for chapters in chronological order, as well as an analysis for each chapter. A post for important quotes will also be incorporated to help the reader understand it's significance to the novel and to life in general. A separate post for literary devices will also be presented and the effect they have on the novel. My personal opinions of the novel will be accessible, as well as my ideas of the novel's themes. Posts will be updated daily after each chapter is read.

Chapter 11 Analysis
The beginning of this chapter is important to pay attention to because it shows the audience that the trial will be judged fairly. The process Diana and Patrick use to pick ten mutual people shows the honesty and fairness of the court system.
At this point in the novel, we get to see a deeper look into Patrick and Alex's relationship. They have grown closer now, and have truly fallen in love. Their relationship is no longer a secret from Josie.
This is Lewis's first visit to see his son since the day of the shooting. At first Lewis is nervous, but the audience soon understands how good of a relationship him and his son had. No matter what the circumstances are, family will always be top priority in the Houghton family.
Drew finally confesses his torment towards Peter. We learn the students shot on that day weren't the only victims. Peter had been bullied for years and now, because of Drew's confession, the severity of Peter's consequences may be altered.
Now that Josie is part of the trial, Alex and Patrick are nervous for the outcomes. Patrick reviews the details of the case, and looks closely at the nature of the guns. The audience now knows that something relating to the guns is key, but we are left in suspense as Patrick only mentions them briefly.
This is the beginning of the trial where Jordan preps for the day. He begins the trial eagerly which shows how ambitious and loyal he is to his client. This determination has been repeated throughout the entire novel which shows how hard of a worker Peter's lawyer is.
The Bullied Victims of America are present the day of Peter's trial which helps gain the audiences hope that a positive outcome will occur. This group helps inspire Jordan to continue with his work even when everyone else is against him.
The trial begins with Diana's presentation. After strong accusations, Diana ends the speech with the same paragraph at the very beginning of the novel. The only difference between the two quotes of what can happen in nineteen minutes is the final words. At the beginning of the first chapter, the description of what can happen in nineteen minutes is in Peter's point of view. The difference of opinions is what alters the last sentence. Peter believes in nineteen minutes you can get revenge, whereas Diana thinks the world can come to a pause. This comparison of opinions is an example of a hyperbole, which best enhances each characters disposition.
With the aid of a forensic physiciatrist to help defend Peter's case, the judge fails to believe the severity of Peter's illness.
Mr. Spears, the students gym teacher is later called to the stand to report any torment towards Peter he witnessed. Jordan makes an excellent point of how teachers are not expected to prevent bullying or administer any consequences. This is one of the most important points made during the case and in reality. The example Picoult provides helps the audience understand that bullying is a real issue today and in some cases no actions are taken into consideration to prevent this issue. This is a significant point made and helps society question bullying circumstances.
Josie later admits to her mother, "I wasn't brave enough to defend myself, I didn't want to be treated like them"(387). Picoult exemplifies the theme of the novel with this quote because majority of students have related to this lack of self confidence. Standing up for someone else first begins with self confidence to stand up for yourself first. Perhaps some of the audience can relate to Josie's character as we have all been through tough times in high school where bullying was a factor. If the audience can understand a possible outcome of bullying, maybe it will inspire us to stop the issue.

Chapter 10 Analysis
Personally, I believe this is the event that triggered it all. Courtney sends out a mass forward to the school to humiliate Peter. Although plenty of other factors should be taken in account for Peter's actions, I believe when Peter realized his love letter for Josie was not so private anymore, it triggered Peter to turn the tables.
When Drew and Matt confront Josie about the email, she acts as if she doesn't care, but really the audience knows more than a few of the characters. This example of dramatic irony shows how fake Josie's character really can be, since the audience had read about her past.
Picoult alludes to the cravings of pregnancy when Josie desires pickles and chocolate. Majority of people know being pregnant has side effects including strong temptations. As the audience learns at the start of the novel that Josie and Matt have sex for the first time unprotected we can assume these cravings relate to a pregnancy, another conflict of the main character.
Courtney is deceitful into leading Peter to believe Josie actually admires his letter. Peter who is naive to the situation, actually gains enough courage to go talk to his crush, only to become crushed. The popular crowd, routinely bullies Peter to a maximum point. No more bullying will ever occur again at Sterling High.
Josie is relieved to wake up in the middle of the night to a miscarriage. Ironically, her mother was pregnant at a young age and even though she was constantly pressured to abort the pregnancy, Alex decided to be responsible and care for Josie alone. Alex could have aborted the baby, but instead she decided to care for her. Both options are analyzed in this novel, perhaps allowing the audience to see advantages and disadvantages of both.

Chapter 13 Analysis
This chapter is what leads up to the final decision the judge makes for Peter's future. With all the detailed evidence, the audience can start to piece together what would be fair consequences for the characters. Picoult involves the reader by leaving room for opinion and building suspense.
Patrick, a neutral character, provides much evidence for the audience to make a personal decision. When the outcome is different from what we expect, the story becomes more intriguing.
I decided to incorporate the letter from one of the victims in chapter 10 analysis, as it is the only viewpoint from a minor character who was also targeted the day of the shooting.
Angela Phlug's letter is so powerful and memorable, Peter can recite every word. This letter is one of the only accusations that is truly meaningful as it is personally from a victim. She notes that she would have liked to be Peter's friend. When Peter reads this the audience does not know what he is thinking, but we do know his reaction, so we can assume his emotions. This is the first time in the story Peter may actually regret his actions and feel sorry for an innocent victim. She continues the letter with what she is able and disabled of doing. Peter may finally resent what had happened and wished Angela had saved him earlier.
The end of the chapter is a very important piece to the puzzle. Lacy is called to the stand to defend her son. She has troubles speaking and is depressed by the audiences verbal abuse. The audience can understand now that Lacy feels responsible for her son's actions, but cannot go back in time. After Lacy's sympathetic speech, Josie is called off guard to the stand. She states her general information and informs the jury of the early morning routine on the day of the shooting. The audience is left in a cliffhanger when Jordan states, "what happened next"(437). We can assume that Josie's next actions will be interesting as she may confess something totally unexpected. The abrupt ending of the chapter will captivate the audience and prohibit them from setting the book down!

Chapter 9 Analysis
In chapter nine, the focal point is the evidence of the case. Diana Leven learns that Alex Cormier, the judge of the case is Josie Cormier's mother. The connection of these two main characters creates an ironic tone that results in more tension as another conflict arises. Judge Cormier is legal to work on this case, but Diana Leven has different intentions. She wishes Cormier would recuse from the case, perhaps so the final decision will not be altered by interfering emotions.
The makeshift crosses found at the side of the highway in Sterling symbolize the sympathy the citizens of the town have for the family of the victims. This sympathy is so deep it shows how majority of the town does not understand Peter's situation, as Sterling will always feel sorrier for the victims.
Peter Houghton's cross demonstrates how he also was a victim. His cross is constantly vandalized and taken down, also showing the citizens respect for Peter.
During this time, Lacy realizes that her husband has not been visiting Peter like he says he is. This shows Lewis' sympathy for the victims families as we later learn he goes to visit the students at the cemetery. The audience may predict that again, Lewis is neglecting his son. This may be one of the factors that triggered the shooting. It leaves room for the audience to create personal opinions and decide in reality what can cause such a dramatic scene.
When Peter receives the letter in jail from a student writing a paper on bullied victims, the audience can predict hope. Not until later in the chapter do we learn that the "student", was actually a reporter and used Peter. The hope that Peter could gain help was an illusion. Picoult twisted the plot of the story to keep the audience on edge.
At the end of the chapter, a new relationship is formed. Patrick and Alex start to talk and become closer. A romantic mood is created to create more depth and add to the overall genre of the novel.

Chapter 16 Analysis
The last chapter in the novel begins with Alex and Patrick together revisiting Sterling High. Last time Patrick was in the school, he was investigating the tragedy. The juxtaposition of comparing Patrick's initial visit to the school, to the current visit emphasizes how bad things really were. When the couple reads the words, "A SAFE HARBOR", on a memorial at the school we realize it is all over, and the town of Sterling can finally go back to a somewhat normal routine. Patrick and Alex are now excited they have a baby on the way. This embarks for a new beginning for the couple that deserves it the most. They endured so many heartbreaks and tough times, a new baby will bring joy to the family. Josie's consequences were not as harsh as Peter's, but she still had to serve five years in jail. In this time she will hopefully learn from her mistakes. This is not guaranteed because we are left at a cliffhanger at the end of the novel. This leaves room for possibly another sequel that I would be excited to read. Hopefully readers will learn from this novel, that bullying does occur and something needs to be done before things get out of hand. It is important to understand that Peter's situation was bad, but he had no help from anyone. To prevent this tragedy from occurring, we have to stick up for what is right and learn that bullying can be prevented with a little help. To learn how you can help visit www.bullyingcanada.ca.

Chapter 15 Analysis
This is the second last chapter in the novel, but it is the beginning of the conclusion. A summary of Peter's consequences are listed. Peter should have been valued for his iconoclasm, it winds up turning him into its own kind of stereotype: the victim forced to fight. The only way out of Peter's misery was to stand up, and in we realize he would rather be dead instead of continuing life in jail. The words Picoult chooses to share how Peter commits suicide are gentle and calm. The way he slips into a sleep was a peaceful way for Peter's character to go. This leaves the reader with a sense of relief, since Peter's other option was to spend the rest of his life continuing to be bullied, and in jail. As Peter reaches his deep sleep, he goes back to the place where it all began. Although, this time his journey is a fresh beginning, where no one is on the bus to bother him. I think this symbolizes that no one can bother him in the next life. Bullies won't exist where Peter is going.

Chapter 14 Analysis
Chapter 14 is another very short chapter but is still essential to the story. We now understand what really happened the day of the shooting. With the three in the locker room, Josie is fed up with Matt's attitude and decides to end it. When she shoots Matt, she asks Peter to help her out. Ironically, Peter shoots Matt again, to help Josie out. Josie needed to let go of Matt a long time ago to end the verbal abuse. Sadly, this is what all the negativity Matt had initiated, led up to. The reader can now piece together that Josie had lied this whole time, and she really understood what was going on and remembers the day clearly. Peter was not the only one guilty, but because he cared so much for his friend he wanted to take the blame and not let Josie get in trouble. At this point Josie's character is in shock and she cannot comprehend what has happened. This is a twist that the audience could never suspect, as no foreshadowing was used in previous chapters.

Chapter 12 Analysis
This is the shortest chapter in the novel, but one of the most significant. This is the climax of the story. It is a flashback on the day of the shooting, but it shows what triggered the whole tragedy. This starts off like an ordinary day when his father wakes him up. Annoyed, Peter rises to find the email Josie sent him. Obviously, Peter had strong feelings for Josie and he is heartbroken when he discovers the email had been forwarded to the entire student body. This is where Peter decides to get revenge. The last sentence in this chapter is important because we realize that Peter was planning this event when we discovered he stashed the guns, "....just in case"(390).
There is a division in this novel that separates part one and part two. This chapter is found at the beginning of part two. The placement of this chapter is important because it symbolizes the start of something new, the start of a new life for Peter. Part two summarizes the day of the shooting. The reader starts to piece together bits of information together that makes the puzzle fit.

Chapter 8 Analysis
This chapter is essential to the climax of the novel as it is a flashback to a year before the incident. This is when Peter becomes more mature, and the bullying becomes more harsh. At the beginning of the chapter the audience gains insight of what the family life of the Houghton's was like a year before the shooting. Arguments occurred often during this time and Lacy becomes tired of the usual stress. This moment in the Houghton's family life symbolizes what Lacy endured on a day to day basis.
Flashbacks are incorporated in novels to provide additional information to the reader. Without this chapter, we wouldn't have gained any knowledge of Josie's father. As Alex cannot seem to handle her daughter's situations right, Logan Rourke, Josie's father isn't around to assist his family. He had walked out before Josie was even born. This is a prime example of society today. Many families are separated or fail to even begin due to a variety of reasons. Logan's claimed reasoning was because he already had a family.
Ironically, Peter and Josie begin work at the same company. This event brings the main characters together so they can solve conflicts or create more, which will capture the audiences attention through suspense.
Matt pays Josie a visit while Peter is also working. One of the antagonists in the novel creates conflict in his presence at the QuickCopy. Matt again, torments Peter while Josie witnesses the drama, but does not interfere.
This motif of Josie's lack of respect reoccurs throughout majority of the novel, adding to the conflict.
When Peter is found at the gay night club, the audience wonders about his sexuality. Never does the narrator truly inform the audience that Peter is straight. This again, creates suspense and leaves the audience questioning. His sexuality may have only added to the bullying at Sterling High. This is a concept the audience will never know.
Josie and Peter become suspended in an elevator, another place where the two can sort out their problems or create more. During this time Josie and Peter are reminded of how enjoyable each other's presence is.
Peter returns home to a shock, the death of his brother. The audience expects the character to be mourning, but instead Peter is relieved. This twist takes the audience by surprise and changes much of what we expect to happen.

Chapter 7 Analysis
At the beginning of this chapter, Josie reviews her past a little more closely. She watches a video of her sixteenth birthday and remembers all the good times she had with the ones who were killed the day of the shooting. This is an important key to the story as you can see the good times Josie and Matt had. Matt Royston wasn't always the bad boyfriend, he just had trouble understanding Josie at times.
Lacy also realizes in this chapter how much damage her son has really done. When she is out at the grocery store a clerk demonstrates the grief he was going through, resulting in an embarrassed and regretful Lacy.
We understand how much hurt the town is going through at this point because of the actions of Ervin Peabody. He takes control and initiates a grief session for the whole town. When Jordan shows up at this event, majority of the town has a very strong hate for the lawyer defending Peter. Jordan's character, although hated by the public at this time, still has a calm and collected personality that remains unchanged.
This is the first day of class for all of Sterling High students. It embarks a new beginning for the victims, even though most students will never move on.
Patrick analyzes Peter's video game to learn that Peter not only designed this game, but he designed the day of the shooting. Peter had intended to shoot students at the Sterling High even though Peter's lawyer was trying to prove he was not in an appropriate disposition during this time.
Patrick also finds a note under Josie's yearbook photo that read,"LET LIVE"(198). This shows the audience Peter's intentions and the years where Josie stood up for her friend. This really signified a friendship.

Chapter 6 Analysis
A flashback of kindergarten introduces us to a main bully in the novel, Drew Girard. The superman themed lunch box Peter owned was later destroyed by spilled milk. The cafeteria where Peter is humiliated in is a key setting in the novel. Picoult chooses the lunch cafeteria to be a stage of humiliation because every student eye is watching Peter's actions, and the crowd by stands. A teacher on lunch duty witnesses the whole incident and orders the two boys to report to the principles office. This shows how life can be unfair sometimes. Picoult tries to emphasize that bullying does occur in schools and many of the faculty and students are unsure how to handle situations similar to these.
The mention of the September 11, 2001 crashing of the World Trade Centers, allows us to remember that day more vividly. We are taken through the experience of two young children and the terror they endured during this time. This is another example of bullying that personally, I think Picoult alluded to this incident to emphasize Peter's situations. Bullying is not just found in schools, it is through out the world and can be projected in many forms, including terrorism.
While Peter is watching his own soccer game, his mother starts to wonder why her son never gets played. This is another example in the novel of bullying. A specific type of bullying, discrimination. Peter's coach only sits him on the bench because of his lack of athletic ability. Picoult tries to show the audience how this can be a problem in many high school sports. Peter obviously can't get any better without practice, and when he doesn't practice in a game, it lowers his confidence. Sitting a player on a bench can be traumatizing and can affect your whole season. Peter begins to care less about soccer because he is not getting played, and then begins to care less about life. Soccer is just another situation where Peter can be bullied.
We learn more about Joey Houghton in this chapter and understand he was always the more impressive son. Peter could even tell you that. His whole life he was always looked down upon. This juxtaposition of Joey, the perfect child, to Peter, the troubled child, makes Peter's situation seem worse. Picoult always compares the two to show one extreme from another.
Peter's first hunting experience is shared in this chapter. I think he allows the deer to escape because they never hurt Peter. He doesn't want to shoot the deer, so he purposely shoots off the target. I think Peter believes what goes around, comes around. The deer were innocent in Peter's life, whereas the students at Sterling High weren't.

Chapter 5 Analysis
This chapter is an outlook of the present situation. Peter is now being held captive, which is where he could be spending the rest of his life, in jail. The audience starts to comprehend what is happening and the consequences Peter will endure. The start of this chapter creates suspense as the reader gets a taste of what is to come, but can still predict the next actions. We are introduced to Jordan McAfee's character, who reappears in other novels written by Picoult. We see McAfee as a kind, smart, cautious lawyer. McAfee's character doesn't change throughout the novel. Peter's parents question their actions of parenthood and wonder if the incident at Sterling High was a result of neglect.
This is the point where the police question Lewis Houghton's possession of the gun collection. This is obviously a significant piece in the novel. The audience can now wonder what had influenced the Sterling High tragedy, Lewis Houghton's gun collection or if it was something else.
Josie is just understanding now what has happened over the course of the last couple days. She realizes Matt is dead and she'll never be with him again.
When Alex doesn't allow Josie to go to the arraignment, the audience gets a peak of how their relationship is. Alex can sometimes be controlling, even though her intentions are true. She just wishes to look out for her daughter and wants what is best for her. The way she displays this affection may not always come off in an appropriate way.
Patrick and Diana review the evidence and the results of the guns fired. We learn that one of the hand prints on the gun is inconclusive. Even though the detective does not take much consideration of this, the audience knows it is an essential piece of the puzzle, otherwise it wouldn't have been mentioned. This creates more drama and suspense, intriguing the audience to read on!
When Josie has trouble sleeping, she almost overdoses on her mother's pills. Her mother catches her in time, but the fact Josie resorts to this sort of relief shows the audience how high her stress levels really are. Josie believes she is alone and no one else can help her. She creates a tense mood that causes the audience to sympathizes and perhaps relate to similar situations.
Josie breaks down at her boyfriends funeral. We have all been in a situation where a loved one has passed so this scene is more easy to relate as the audience can understand the hurt Josie endures and the emotions she experiences.

Chapter 4 Analysis
This chapter is significant to the novel as a whole because it is the first the audience learns about Peter's childhood experiences. The first day of kindergarten was the first of Peter being bullied by classmates. This shows how long bullying has occurred in Peter's life and how early of an age he was traumatized at.
The audience learns about Alex's life and how stressful it really is. This is another conflict in the novel that adds to the drama of the focal point.
The relationship Josie and Peter share at this point is important and allows us to see how their past changed so dramatically. The close bond the two shared relates to the incident at Sterling High. Alex isn't mad that Josie gets in trouble to stick up for Peter, but she tells Josie this won't work in the real world. When Alex lectures Josie for her actions, the reader realizes that Josie's heart was in the right place, and perhaps this may be the only time someone sticks up for Peter.
When Josie and Peter are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, the consequences last a lifetime. Both Josie and Peter's mother do not understand the situation and argue who is right. Neither parents come to a conclusion, so the friends are separated.

March 6,2008

Alex and Patrick take a walk around the new Sterling High to find a plaque on the bricks by the front door that reads: A SAFE HARBOR. Josie had been charged as an accessory to second-degree murder and accepted a plea of manslaughter, with five years served. Alex is now pregnant, and Patrick couldn't be more excited. The End.

Five Months After
Peter was convicted of eight first-degree murders and two second-degree murders. The jury decided that in the case of Matt Royston and Courtney Ignatio, he had not been acting with premeditation and deliberation. He'd been provoked. Peter would spend the rest of his life in prison.
Exactly one month after Peter was convicted, when the lights were dimmed and the detention officers made a final sweep of the catwalk, Peter reached down and pulled his right sock off. He turned on the side of his bed to face the wall and fed the sock into his mouth, stuffing it as far back as it would go. When it got hard to breathe, he fell into a dream. He was still eighteen, but it was the first day of kindergarten. He was carrying his backpack and his Superman lunch box. Peter climbs on the bus to find no other students present. The bus drives off into the sunset and a voice whispers, "Almost there"(451).

10:16 A.M., The Day Of
Matt and Josie are in the locker room. Matt admits, "If anything happens Jo, I loved you"(439). Josie who is now terrified, curls up in a ball behind her boyfriend. She is so nervous, she finds it hard to breath.
Peter stumbles into the locker room with a gun in his hand. He lifted his gun at Matt, and Josie who can't help it, screams.
Peter is startled to see Josie in the locker room and drops his backpack. As the backpack fell, a gun fell out and skittered across the floor.
Matt backed away toward the showers, under Josie's cover. Peter held his gun steady, still pointing it at Matt, even though Josie was closer.
Matt screams at Josie, "Shoot him, Josie! Just f***ing shoot him!"(440). Matt also yells, "Are you stupid? Shoot him!"(440). Peter defends Josie by stating, "Don't talk to her like that"(440).
Josie finally gets the courage to shoot.
Matt stood for a moment, shocked, with his hand over the wound in his stomach. Matt then falls to the floor. Josie rushes to her boyfriend to cover the wound. Her hand is shaking violently. She turns to Peter and cries, "Do something! Help me."(440).
Peter walked closer, lifted the gun he was holding, and shot Matt in the head. Horrified, Josie scrambles backward, away from them both. Peter whispers to Josie, "Don't tell"(441).

Five Months After
Patrick is called to the witness stand, he explains everything he has been investigating about the case for the past five months. A picture of Matt's dead body, and Josie unconscious in the locker room. The audience gasped at the gruesome site. Patrick explains the fingerprints on all the guns have were a replication of the criminal except for one handgun that had a partial print that didn't match any of the suspects.
Curtis Uppergate, a forensic psychiatrist who had specialized in aggressive teenagers with mental illnesses had been called to the stand. He confirmed that Peter was not suffering from any mental illness at the time he started shooting at Sterling High School.
When Peter got back to the jail cell, a detention officer handed him a letter that read,

Dear Peter,
You don't know me by name, but I was number 9. That's how i left the school, with a big magic marker label on my forehead. You tried to kill me. I am not at your trial, so don't try to find me in the crowd. I couldn't stand being in that town anymore, so my parents moved a month ago. I start school in a week here in Minnesota, and already people have heard about me. They only know me as a victim from Sterling High. I don't have interests, I don't have a personality, I don't even have a history, except the one you gave me.
I had a 4.0 average but I don't care very much about grades anymore. What's the point. I used to have all these dreams, but now I don't know if I"ll go to college since I still can't sleep through the night. I can't deal with people who sneak up behind me either, or doors that slam really loud, or fireworks. I've been in therapy long enough to tell you one thing: I'm never going to set foot in Sterling again.
You shot me in the back. The doctors said I was lucky-that if I'd sneezed or turned to look at you I would be in a wheelchair now. Instead, I just have to deal with people who stare when I forget and put on a tank top- anyone can see the scars from the bullet and the chest tubes and the stitches. I don't care- they used to stare at the zits on my face; now they just have another place to focus their attention. I've thought about you a lot. I think you should go to jail. It's fair, and this wasn't, and there's a kind of balance in that.
I was in your French class, did you know that? I sat in the row by the window, second from the back. You always seemed sort of mysterious, and I liked your smile.
I would have liked to be your friend.
Sincerely,
Angela Phlug

Peter folded the letter and slipped it inside his pillowcase. Ten minutes later, he took it out again. He read it all night long, over and over again.
Lacy is nervous getting dressed in the morning because this is the day she has to defend her son. She is called to the stand and states her general information. Jordan tries to hack into the life at the Houghton residence and learns the relationship between Lacy and Peter wasn't always perfect. During Lacy's summary, a man interrupts by shouting, "Your son's a monster"(420). The man is removed from the courtroom, and Jordan continues with questioning. Once Lacy was finished, she turned to Peter and mouthed silently, "I'm so sorry"(420).
Jordan now realizes that he cannot do much for Peter at this point because the jury would always feel sorrier for the victims.
Peter is called to the stand to confirm his actions and tell the jury the reasoning for the shooting. He states, "They started it"(424). The jury learns that Peter never intended to kill all of the people. Peter becomes proud because he told the courtroom what he always wanted to say.
Jordan visits the Cormier's house. He informs Josie that she will have to appear in court and is forced to testify. Josie is reluctant but has no other options.
Josie states her general information and summarizes the day of the shooting. She talks about what happened until they got in the locker room. Jordan then asks, "what happened next?"(437).

6:30 A.M., The Day Of
Peter wakes up to his father's irritating orders. First things first, Peter attends to his computer and rubs his eyes to witness the email he sent Josie. He realizes it had been sent to the entire student body. He could hear them all laughing. Peter empties his school backpack of textbooks and binders, and replaces them with two pistols he'd been saving, just in case.

Five Months After
At the beginning of this chapter, Diana and Jordan select twelve people who weren't personally affected by the shooting; a jury that could commit to a long trial if necessary and wouldn't worry about their home life. A group of people who had not been living and breathing the news for the past five months.
For the first time, in a long time, Alex laid in bed and didn't hurry off to work. Patrick lay beside her in bed for a short sweet moment, but than had to sneak out to work as Josie didn't know their relationship existed. He kissed her goodbye and was shortly off to work.
Josie often goes to visit Matt's grave and tells him nothing related to the trial, but she acts like he is still around.
Lacy went to a fancy store that sold men's clothing to pick out something appropriate for Peter to wear at his trial. She realizes that this could be the last time she'll ever buy Peter clothes, and Lacy becomes very emotionally in public.
Lewis goes to visit Peter for the first time since the day he was taken away. Lewis was surprised how much his son had changed. Peter now looked tougher, with a more gruff hair style and more broad shoulders. At first it was awkward to reunite, but shortly after the two shared a little laugh.
Diana and Patrick work together to discover the reason Peter Houghton had used a particular assortment of guns that day of the trial rather than just one. Later on, Drew is brought into the room for questioning. Diana asks many specific question relating to the incident. Drew is very calm until she asks, "Did you ever bully him"(352). Both Diana and Patrick know the real answer, but Drew tries to deny his behavior. After Diana and Patrick inform Drew they have evidence to provide for the court that he did bully Peter, and the consequences of lying, Drew confesses.
Josie still has a hard time coping with the loss of her boyfriend as she states, "It's just-God, Mom-What's wrong with me? It's like the worlds started spinning again for everyone else, but I can't even get back on the carousel"(354). Josie cries to her mother because she feels everyone has moved on except her.
Alex and Patrick wonder about the trial which is the next day. They both will be attending, but are nervous for the results. Alex questions Patrick, "Do you really think McAfee can get him acquitted?"(355). Patrick wonders why Josie never was shot that day, and what had saved her.
The morning of the trial, Lacy dresses nervously and has a million questions running through her head.
Jordan is ready for the day and starts off his morning ambitious.
Josie has been dreading the day and cannot hold herself together.
The Bullied Victims of America are at the top of the steps before the courthouse. As Jordan walks up the steps the crowd cheers him on. At the bottom of the steps is a different crowd. These were the residents of Sterling that had a different outlook of Jordan's choice to defend Peter.
Diana begins her presentation to the crowded audience in the courtroom. She shows a picture of Sterling High the morning of the incident. Next, she lists off all the victims that day. At the end of her speech, Diana states, "In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. You can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist. You can fold laundry for a family of five. Or, as Peter Houghton knows... in nineteen minutes, you can bring the world to a screeching halt."
Jordan begins his defense by informing the judge and jury about the endless bullying Peter endured. Jordan continues his speech by calling on Dr. King Wah, a forensic psychiatrist. Dr. King Wah explains how Peter was suffering from an illness called post-traumatic stress disorder. A complicated medical diagnosis that children may have who can't distinguish between immediate threat and a distant threat, meaning they are extremely more sensitive than the average student. Arguments go back and forth between Jordan and Diana.
Before Lacy speaks to defend her son, she has numerous flashbacks of Peter when he was a young child.
Drew is called to the stand and confesses he bullied Peter. Drew tells the jury he didn't mean anything to happen because of it, and Peter would laugh it off. Jordan speaks to Drew, and makes him sweat because his questions are very intimidating and everyone is watching them waiting anxiously for what they have to say.
Next, Jordan questions Mr. Spears, the gym teacher. Mr. Spears had known about the bullying, but never tried to prevent it nor did he punish the students for initiating it. Jordan asks Mr. Spears to go through the teacher's policies and read to him where it tells you what to do if a teacher witnesses bullying. Mr. Spears flips through the pages to discover there is nothing about the subject written in the book.
Alex and Lacy meet outside the courtroom. Alex sympathizes for Lacy and tells her, "I'm sorry you have to go through this"(386).
Alex asks Josie about the email to her daughter that was read in court. Josie replies, "I wasn't brave enough to defend myself, I didn't want to be treated like him"(387).

The Month Before
Josie and Matt have sex for the first time, unprotected. I will not go into detail.
Courtney was over at Josie's house for a sleepover. While Josie was in the shower, her computer blinked with a message in the middle of the screen that read, "You've got mail"(315). Courtney opened the message to find a summary of Peter's love for Josie. Courtney was shocked, and quickly forwarded the email to Drew, who later sent it to the whole student body. As Josie walked out of the shower, Courtney quickly closed out of the message and pretended she had not been through Josie's mail.
Josie couldn't sleep that night because her period was three days late.
Josie was writing a social studies paper for Matt at his house one day after school. Drew and Matt were working out, while Josie was working hard on his paper. Drew finally confessed what he was laughing so hard about, and handed Josie the letter. The two boys were hysterical and secretly embarrassed Josie, but she pretended the email from Peter was lame. "What a total loser"(318), Josie said as if it didn't bother her at all.
Courtney pulled Peter aside in the hallway after everyone had dismissed from where they were visible. Courtney lied to Peter and told him how much Josie really likes him, and how thoughtful she thought the letter was. Peter was a little unsure to trust Courtney, but he was so excited with the news he forgot about her reputation.
Josie had been craving everything that day at lunch.
Peter got enough nerve to go talk to Josie in the cafeteria. Drew and Matt were bullying Peter verbally, and after pulled his pants down so the whole school saw everything. Peter was mortified. His lunch had spilled everywhere and milk all down his leg. The boys made fun of this and announced, "Hey everyone, premature ejaculation"(320). Peter grabbed the letter and ran into the washroom where he ripped it up and urinated onto the words and cursed everyone who laughed at him that day.
Josie faked sick to stay home from school. As soon as her mother had hurried off to work, Josie yanked the thermometer from her mouth and ran downstairs to the computer. She researched abortion options and home remedies to terminate pregnancies. She read a herbal remedy she thought she would try out.
Again, Josie couldn't sleep well. When she finally did fall asleep she abruptly woke, breathless and realized that she was wet. She sat up and lifted up the covers, and saw a pool of blood beneath her. After three positive pregnancy tests, after her period was three weeks late, she was miscarrying. Josie was so relieved at this sight.

One Month After
Diana Leven had been reviewing the details of the case for days now. She had a list that lay in front of her of the victims of Sterling High. As she scanned through the list again her eyes were drawn to Josie Cormier's name. Beside this was her mother's signature, Alex Cormier. Diana was astonished because she knew that Alex was initially supposed to be the judge on this case. Diana wondered how could Alex fairly judge when her daughter was a victim. She knew she couldn't ask Judge Cormier to be recused, but she was certain that Josie's mother would recuse herself.
On her way home from the courthouse, Alex passed the makeshift memorial that had been erected for the victims of Sterling High. There were ten white wooden crosses that were nowhere near the school. In the days after the shooting, there was a great number of mourners standing by the crosses, adding to the individual piles of photos, Beanie Babies, and bouquets. Alex had remembered when Courtney and Maddy, Josie's best friends, came over for sleepovers and now she stood above their graves. After the ten crosses had been erected, Alex noticed one with Peter Houghton's name on it. It had been taken down and vandalized night after night, and editorials were written about it in the paper.
Lacy goes to visit Peter at the jail and learns that Lewis has not been coming to visit their son. This is news to Lacy and she is now concerned what he has been up to.
Jordan had been just as shocked to see Cormier's name on the docket board as the prosecutor had been, but he enjoyed seeing Diana Leven in a panic. Diana spoke to Judge Cormier and asked her to resign from the case as it wouldn't be fair since Peter had asked about Josie's welfare, Josie was present during the shooting and Josie's yearbook photo in Peter's room was the only one that had been marked with the words "Let Live"(259). Judge Cormier assured Diana that it was completely legal and appropriate so she would proceed.
Judge Cormier begins the court hearing by listing off the charges and victims of the case. When Alex gets to Grace Murtaugh's name, a lady in the back of the courtroom causes a scene. She cries and yells at Peter by telling him, "You'll burn in hell for this"(268). Alex calls a recess and cannot proceed back in the courtroom. She tells her assistant to clear her afternoon. Alex thought she could take the intensity of the case but soon realizes her emotions are too sensitive due to her daughter's involvement. Alex drives to the elementary school where the high school students are being temporarily kept. She picks up Josie and takes her for a drive. Alex tells Josie she quit the case and now she is available for her daughter to come to for advice.
Peter was delivered a letter from one of the guards, it read:

Peter,

I feel like I already know you, because I've been following what happened at the high school. I'm in college now, but I think I know what it was like for you...... because it was like that for me. In fact, I'm writing my thesis now on the effects of being bullied at school. I know it's presumptuous to think that you'd want to talk to someone like me... but I think if I'd known someone like you when I was in high school, my life would have been different, and maybe it's never too late????

Sincerely,
Elena Battista

(pg. 270)

Peter was excited that a college girl wanted to get to know him even though Jordan told him no contact with anyone other than his lawyer and parents.
Jordan had requested to visit with Dr. King Wah. He specialized in battered woman syndrome, a medical issue that was triggered from abuse by a wife's husband. It caused the woman to act crazy and even kill their husbands because they were bullied. Jordan took notes from Dr. King Wah's presentation as he realized how similiar it was to Peter's situation.
Jordan and Selena visit Derek, Peter's only friend and understand how mean kids really were to Peter. Derek claims if he was in Peter's shoes, he would have done the same.
Lacy now knows where her husband really goes when he says he is visiting Peter. Lewis Houghton visits the cemetery to not forget of the kids his son had shot, and to pay respect. He also visits Joey's grave.
Alex is stressed out at this time and schedules a dinner to meet up with her former boss for advice. When Alex enters the Chinese restaurant she finds Patrick sipping coffee, waiting for his take out order. The two get talking and chemistry builds, but the moment is over when Alex's boss interupts.
Alex and Josie visit Jordan early on a Saturday morning to plead Josie won't have to appear in court for the trial. Jordan is hesitant but feels guilty so he informs Josie she will not be called on to defend.
The chapter ends with Patrick and Alex going on a date and sharing their first kiss.

One Year Before
One year earlier, the Houghton family took their pet dog to the vet clinic. Their golden retriever dog was about to be put down, while Peter and Joey could care less about what was about to happen. The two boys argue until Lacy is fed up and wonders about Peter, "If only you could keep them that way: cast in amber, never growing up"(197).
Only twelve months before the shooting incident, Josie had inquired about her father. Like any curious kid, she'd asked her mother about this when she was growing up. Josie wanted to know why her parents weren't married anymore, she hadn't expected to hear that they were never married. As Josie works on a genetics paper for school, she hits a browser button by mistake and got a home page for The Boston Globe. Across the screen was election coverage of Logan Rourke, Josie's father. Startled Josie abruptly closes the computer, and finishes the rest of the day anxious to learn more about her father.
Peter and Josie, coincidentally are hired at the same job during the summer. They both applied to a photocopying company where Peter excelled as he enjoyed computer work. He was experienced and familiar with the machines and was assigned to train Josie. Since the two were forced to spend time with each other, Josie actually could stand Peter's presence. They both got a long at work and actually enjoyed each others company until Matt appeared to check up on his girlfriend. Peter, who is slightly eavesdropping, assesses Matt who vents, "Stop looking at me, homo"(204). Matt kisses Josie good bye and confirms their plans for the night, while Peter becomes invisible.
Josie uses Peter's talent to navigate her father once Matt leaves. Peter scrambles through codes and pages to find Logan Rourke's home address.
One afternoon at work, when Josie went out to the dumpster with a load of trash, Peter was already there. She didn't care Peter was in the garbage, so she carelessly through the trash onto her coworker. Almost immediately after, sparks flew and fire climbed up the cardboard stacked inside the dumpster. Josie grabbed Peter and pulled him out of the danger and quickly called 911. Mr. Cargrew, the manager of QuickCopy, rushed to the scene only to learn that Peter intentionally had lit the dumpster on fire to receive reassurance that Josie was still his friend. Mr. Cargrew fired Peter on the scene.
Through the use of flashbacks we learn how much bullying Peter endured in the earlier years. From being shoved in lockers to becoming the victim of monkey in the middle, Peter had been through it all. Josie had fallen under Matt's commands and no longer had a voice of her own. One day while Peter attempted to talk to Josie, Matt overheard and beat him up. Peter was excessively bleeding, but Josie pretend she didn't notice and continued on with her boyfriend.
Josie was nervous but very anxious for the day she would discover who her father was. A wide variety of images ran through her head. She didn't know what to expect. Matt had escorted her on the drive while giving her words of inspiration to help her through this significant moment. Josie reached the proper address and knocked on the door to Logan Rourke's house. As her fist raps on the last beat, Logan opens the door in surprise. He was taller than she'd imagined, and he looked just like he did on the internet ad- white hair, Roman nose, rangy build, but with the same eyes as Josie had, electric blue. Through the half opened door, Josie could hear another woman's voice question her appearance. Logan nervously wondered his daughter's name. Josie states it is Margaret. Satisfied with his actions, Logang gives Josie money and slams the door in his face. Josie allows the bills to slip through her fingers and fall to the ground. She leaves with Matt sobbing.
Peter gets a rare A on an essay wrote about the day he got fired from QuickCopy. He is so excited but quickly remembers he cannot brag to his parents about this as they still don't know he lost his job. Peter crumples up the essay and throws it in the first trash can that he passes.
Josie climbs into bed with her mother for the first storm of the year. Josie questions her mother about Logan again, Alex tries to beat around the bush and change the subject. Josie wonders how her life would be with a father figure in it, and gives Alex almost a hard time about not getting together with Logan. Alex is shocked to hear that Josie went to visit her father.
Peter takes a cab to a club, The Front Runner. He is pushed inside in his amazement without the bouncer even glancing at his fake id. Peter was surprised, but amazed with the scenery. Men were standing in groups of two or three, men in leather chaps, men kissing other men in the corners, and men passing joints. A bartender questions if Peter would like a drink. A man in his thirties pipes up before Peter can say anything, "Let's play a game and i'll buy you a drink"(232). The bartender reacts quickly and states, "Leave him alone Kurt, he's just a kid"(232). Kurt sets up a game of pool and Peter pulls out five dollars. Kurt informs Peter, "I don't bet for money. How about if I win, I get to take you home. And if you win you get to take me home"(233). Peter didn't really see how he could win either way, since he didn't want to go home with Kurt and he wasn't going to bring Kurt home with him. He put the cue down on the edge of the table and states, "I guess I really don't feel like playing after all"(233). Angrily, Kurt grabs Peter's arm and doesn't let him away until, Mr. McCabe his math teacher steps into the scene and tells Kurt to leave. Mr. McCabe takes Peter home in an awkward silence and drops him off at the front steps of his house. Mr. McCabe shares with Peter that he is always around to come and talk to. By this point Peter is disgusted and keeps stating, "I'm not gay!"(235).
In December, Peter got a job in the school library. He was in charge of the audiovisual equipment, which meant that for an hour after school each day, he'd rewind microfilm and organize DVDs alphabetically. He liked how nobody bothered him in the library. The cool kids wouldn't have been caught dead there after school. Although it had been months since she'd gotten him fired, Josie caught the elevator door with her crutch and hobbled inside with Peter and his equipment. The two press separate buttons, but the elevator gets stuck. The two have to spend hours and hours together. They play games and remember how much they enjoy each others company. Peter dares Josie to kiss him, and she does. Matt comes to the rescue and interrupts the moment the two were having. Josie never confesses to Matt what happened.
Peter goes home to find his parents hysterically upset. Peter believes and kind of hopes their emotions are due to his absence, but he later learns Joey was in a car accident and died from a collision with a drunk driver.

A Deeper Look

Nineteen Minutes is a vividly disturbing narrative about what can happen when we least expect it and how little time it takes for life to be turned upside down. Parent-child relationships are central to Nineteen Minutes. When you're a teenager, the fact of parents is unavoidable, even when they're not very good at being parents. For Josie's single mother, it's easy to be a judge and hard to be a mother, everything she says "isn't right". To Peter, his parents seem typically responsible and resemble two "normal" parents. Surprisingly, the child with the "normal" family grows up with the problems and becomes the antagonist in the novel. Josie's mom, Alex, and Peter's mom, Lacy, were once friends who had a falling out. Josie's popular boyfriend, Matt, is both a girl's dream and nightmare. In some ways, unfortunately, any high school can catch a glimmer of itself in the book. As Alex reflects on her own good fortune, "Life was what happened when all the 'what-ifs' didn't, when what you dreamed or hoped or -- in this case -- feared might come to pass passed by instead." We should all be so lucky. Picoult's novels usually analyze ethical issues, which are judged from many different viewpoints, only to create a more clear understanding of the multiple sides of the story. The omniscient narration that Picoult provides, allows the audience to see into each character's disposition. More views create a different outlook on the novel, and therefore a more powerful meaning. In addition, if a reader doesn't favor one character, there is room for them to relate easier to another character. The story is not told in a linear way, which adds to its emotional drama. It flips back and forth in time, describing how friendships unraveled, love grew and anger boiled over. Plenty of flashbacks were incorporated throughout the novel to provide additional information in a unique form. These mentions of the past are set up in a creative time line that really adds depth to the novel and keeps the audience thinking.

Nineteen Minutes Book Review

Nineteen minutes is enough time to become disenchanted with an author. I feel I became part of the story as I could relate to so many of the characters. The sociology of Sterling High School comes to life: nerds and jocks and brains, adults from another planet, school as heaven or hell. Clearly, Picoult knows how to include the audience in her work. "Nineteen Minutes" is a ghastly tragedy. While the book is a dramatic read of a high school boy coldly walking into his school building one morning and graphically blasting away at teachers and students, it also becomes a romance between a female judge and a detective. The two genres combine to create the best of both worlds.

Literary Devices

Metaphor
-"Inside was different: a fishbowl where anything you said and did was being watched by everyone else"(210).
This quote is an example of a metaphor as it is a comparison of a fishbowl to a high school. What really is being implied, is that high school is a judgmental environment. Being different will be exaggerated and could prevent your climb to the top of the social latter.
-"Your the slug, and they're holding all the salt"(391).
Another important metaphor in the novel compares students to a slug, and salt to bullying. When salt is poured on a slug, or bullying is poured on a student, the creature shrivels up and is badly hurt.

Foreshadowing
-"In nineteen minutes you can get revenge"(1). This quote was presented on the first of over four hundred pages. The reader now knows that revenge will occur at some point in the novel. Because of the placement of this quote, it gives a tiny hint of what is about to happen. It leaves the audience in suspense as to what type of revenge, or how this revenge will be achieved.

Simile
-"Did mourning feel like a hole in the middle of you that got wider and wider every time you tried to plug it up?"(116).
This quote is a simile because it compares a hole in your body to mourning. The reader can relate to this feeling as it compares a sense of emptiness like mourning.
-"Josie's throat closed like a rosebud"(118).
When Josie was upset, her throat did not really close like a rosebud, but the audience will be able to understand her emotions as they can compare them to a this flower.

Imagery-"In Josie's dream, she was standing in the most beautiful tepee. The walls were made of buttery deerskin, sewed tight with golden thread. Stories had been painted all around her in shades of red, ochre, violet, and blue-tales of hunts and loves and losses. Rich buffalo skins were piled high for cushions; coals glowed like rubies in the fire pit. When she looked up, she could see stars falling through the smoke hole"(328).
This is a great example of imagery because the audience will feel they are actually where Josie is. Picoult makes the experience Josie endures seem real and allows her character to share what she sees since everything seems so real. The great choice of diction stimulates all five senses which creates an image in the mind like no other.

Allusion- The main focus of the novel is a crime scene taken place at a high school. To thoroughly understand the angle of the tragedy it is essential for the reader to grasp the concepts of the criminal justice system. In Nineteen Minutes, law is not the main message of literary work, it is an indirect reference that helps the audience better understand the theme of the story.

Flashback- All of the chapters in Nineteen Minutes have dates referring to the massacre at the school, majority of which are prior to the incident. Flashbacks allow the reader to have a better understanding of why or how actions happen. It shows a deeper insight to the characters life and the reasoning behind other aspects in the novel.

Cliffhanger- Cliffhangers are used frequently in the novel. At the end of every chapter this literary device is used to intrigue the reader to keep reading. Picoult allows the characters actions or voice to end abruptly near an exciting part of the text, only to leave the reader in suspense.

Theme- The underlying message of the novel is related to bullying. Personally, I believe Picoult tries to teach the audience bullying has consequences. Bullying is a major issue in society. With the story of Peter's experiences, students can relate to bullying and hopefully prevent similar scenarios from occurring.

Juxtaposition- A reoccurring comparison throughout the novel is of the two main characters, Josie Cormier and Peter Houghton. The two different extremes of social classes, popularity and outcasts have contrasted each other so much it makes one look much different than it would without the other. As there would be no popularity without the outcasts and no outcasts without popularity.

Influential Quotes

• “If we don’t change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we’re going.”(1)-Chinese Proverb

This is an important quote to the novel as I believe it is really Picoult's message. This is also important because of the placement of this quote. At the start of the novel, it informs the audience that something needs to change. It means if you keep doing a routine the wrong way, it will become permanent and harder to get out of the situation. If you keep doing something wrong, you will eventually end up in the wrong. I also believe this quote relates to society today. Even though there is always room for improvement, we currently may not all share the same good morals. If we don't change these morals, society will only get worse.

• "A mathematical formula for happiness:Reality divided by Expectations.There were two ways to be happy:improve your reality or lower your expectations."

This quote is coincidentally stated by Lewis, Peter's father, who has obviously had to examine his life experiences to produce a formula for happiness. Did Lewis really achieve happiness after all he had been through? I think this quote offers an opinion, not an appropriate formula that should be practiced everyday. The first part of the formula of improving your reality means to make your life better. Take what you are given and make the best of it, but the last part of the equation means to be happy lower your expectations, in other words, lower your standards, rethink your dreams. I think these two variables contradict each other, and may confuse the audience.

• "Can you hate someone for what they have done, but still love them for whom they had been?"

This question is asked about Peter. Although Peter had made a huge mistake, thinking back did anyone really love him? People make mistakes, but can you look past their mistakes and love them for who they really were, that is truly what this quote asks. It is a question that makes you think instead of just hating someone for what they have done, think deeper and can you still love them for whom they had been? It allows the reader to think more into the novel, and asks if it really was love in the first place.

• "If you spent your life concentrating on what everyone else thought of you, would you forget who you really were?"

This quote refers to a typical high school concern. The quote really states, if you worry so much about what others think, you will be obsessed with everyone else's opinions and perhaps forget about your own. The setup of this question allows the audience to think past the novel, and maybe into personal matters of past or present experiences. It will trigger the reader to analyze why they allow the others to influence their own decisions. Why let other's opinions play such an important role in your own life, where it isn't always appropriate.

• "You don't need water to feel like you're drowning, do you?"

During stressful situations you can still endure the same feeling of anxiety when you drown, even if your not actually drowning. When a person drowns they are suffocated with water, in this figure of speech, a person can be suffocated from aspects in ones life that cause stress. In any of the characters situations in the novel, they go through a traumatic scenario that can take them under, into a darker side. Too much of the little things cause society to feel like they are drowning, much of the time it is, but not always necessary. Let the water relax you.

• "So much of the language of love was like that: you devoured someone with your eyes, you drank in the sight of them, you swallowed them whole. Love was substance, broken down and beating through your bloodstream."

Above was Josie stating these lines, and her feelings towards Matt.
This figurative language incorporated in the quote helps demonstrate how strong love really is. The first sentence is viewed similar to a definition and helps the audience who maybe haven't experienced this strength of love, really understand that it can happen. It may give some readers hope, while other readers may be feeling this now, or remembering this feeling. The last part of this quote shows how much love takes over your body and even your life. Love makes people crazy. It really is something everyone should appreciate and wish to experience everyday.

• "When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging 2 graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself"(331).

This quote means that two wrongs don't make a right. Anytime you wish to get revenge, you might as well be considered just as bad as the other person. This quote relates to Peter's revenge he had on all the bullies at the school, which actually resulted in Peter having a shorter life he originally expected. Peter thought getting back the bullies would make things better and would change his life for the better, little did he know it would only make things worse, that would eventually result in suicide. This quote allows us to see that Peter's intentions were wrong, and would only conclude in a worse way.

• "I know how difficult it can be when the image you've had of something doesn't match its reality; when the friend beside you turns into a monster."

This bundle of words associates that people can be deceiving. It means who you think you know, may not be who they really are. People aren't always who they seem to be. Again, this quote is related to Peter. He always seemed to be the quiet, incapable, nerd, but when pushed in the right directions, transformed into a monster. This quote doesn't have to suggest a person isn't who they seem to be, it could indicate that a dream, or even reality may not be what they are perceived as.

Ten Days After
Ten days later, Josie sneaks down stairs to view a tape her friends gave her for her sixteenth birthday. The video had footage of Courtney, Drew, Matt, Haley, John, and Maddie, few who were still alive. A memory of her birthday was visited from where the crew had a barbecue. Josie stares at the camera to see herself in her boyfriends arms being so carefree. By now, Josie couldn't stop sobbing. She shoved her fist in her mouth so her mother couldn't hear the crying. After Matt had left the video, Josie ripped off the necklace she was wearing and zipped it into a couch cushion, and ran upstairs to her bedroom.
Lacy and Lewis had just sat down for breakfast, when Lacy realized they were out of milk. Since Peter's parents can only visit their son in jail once a week, Lacy is left thinking at home. Lacy runs to the store to grab some milk. At the till was a donation box for the families of the Sterling High victims. Lacy is caught starring at the box, while the cashier asks, "You've got to wonder about the parents, don't you? I mean how could they not have known?"(166). Lacy stayed silent, because she didn't know herself.
Ervin Peabody, the professor of psychiatry at the college, offered to run a grief session for the entire town of Sterling at a church. By the time the meeting convened, cars were parked as far as a half mile away. Jordan, Peter's lawyer was present at the meeting, and astonished with the mass of people that showed up. The whole town seemed to gang up on Jordan, and one man had asked him, "How can you live with yourself"(168). The meeting had ended on bad terms, as much of the crowd was still in too emotional of a state.
Selena, Jordan's wife, had met Lacy to investigate more about Peter's past. Lacy confessed how normal of a child Peter was, with the exception of jealousy from his older, now dead from a drunk driving car accident, brother. Peter was physically healthy growing up, which now didn't help Selena determine any psychiatric problems.
One week after the shooting, Mount Lebanon, a primary school had opened up additional classes for the student of Sterling High to finish the remainder of their school year. This was supposed to be Josie's first day back, but she couldn't bring herself to walk out the door. Josie ran back upstairs to her bedroom to finish crying. Suddenly, Josie heard a familiar roar in the driveway. She looked out the window to see Drew's vehicle, not Matt's. Josie appreciates her friend picking her up, and hops in the truck with him. The two begin the rest of their school year together.
Patrick turned on his computer, to play a video game at work. The video game Peter Houghton had created was a game titled, "HIDE AND GO SHRIEK". The game involved shooting at a high school, with certain familiar characters, only to survive. The more students you shot, the more points you gained. Patrick had now realized Peter had been planning this for a long time. Patrick also had examined a yearbook of Peter's class. All the victims shot that day were circled with a black sharpie, except for one. Josie Cormier's picture was circled and underlined in thick letters, "LET LIVE".

Six Years Before
A flashback of Peter in sixth grade begins the chapter. Peter had duck taped a piece of newspaper to his binder to hide a superman display. As Peter and Josie walk into the cafeteria, Drew Girard slammed into Peter's lunch tray. Drew yells at Peter, "Watch where your going, retard"(140). Peter's milk spilled all over his splayed binder, melting the newspaper into a muddy clot and revealing the Superman graphic beneath it. Drew and Peter were sent off to detention.
When Peter and Josie were in sixth grade, a horrific event took place in New York, on September 11, 2001. The world trade centers had been attacked, and that morning the students in grade six were rushed to the library where they all watched in horror. The librarian had set up a television so that they could all watch the unfolding coverage. The two friends, terrified, questioned each other if terrorists could attack Sterling. Lacy and Alex coincidentally meet at the school both to pick up their child.
Peter had gone into the boys dressing room to shower after his soccer game. Peter had gotten into the shower to wipe his eyes and turn around to find blurred edges of the bodies that were Matt and Drew. Matt looked at Peter and shouted, "Jesus Christ. Stop looking at my dick"(147). Peter had questioned himself why he really was looking at Drew and Matt, if he really was gay. Matt and crushed Peters glasses on the floor to say, "Now you can't look at me"(148)
Later that night Josie and her mother were out for dinner. A special celebration was underway for Josie's birthday. Alex cannot believe her daughter is twelve years old at this point! Josie and Alex have a conversation of how far Alex's job really would go. Alex confesses that no matter what trouble Josie is in, she would never report her to police, and she could always keep a secret.
While Josie and Alex are out for dinner, Peter is at his soccer game. Rather than playing, Peter sits on the bench with his only friend Derek Markowitz. They realize how much they have in common when both their parents force them on the field. Derek's mother is nuts about fitness and nutrition, while Peter's mother just wants him to "fit in". Peter is nervous about after the game to go shower, so he tries to delay and pretends to retie his cleats. Lacy meets Peter and his coach out on the field. Lacy questions the coach why Peter never got to play. The dramatic conversation Lacy and the coach have, spills over to the team that had not left for the locker room yet. The boys hear the conversation and bully Peter until he can barely speak without crying.
Joey always had better grades then Peter. He was the athlete in the family, which left Peter's achievements hidden behind Joey's. He was funnier, he had more common sense then Peter, he was the one people gravitated to at a party. The one thing Peter had that Joey didn't, was a special bond with his father while the two went hunting.
Peter and his father where out one brisk morning at the crack of down to hunt. The two were stealth through the bushes until Lewis held his hand up to signal a stop motion. The deer then turned and looked at Peter, the eyes trained on Peter's face. Peter squeezed the trigger, sending the shot wide. On purpose. The three deer ducked in unison, unsure of where the danger was. Before Peter could explain what happened, the does bolted away and the buck dropped like a stone. Peter's father forgave him by comforting his mistakes with, "Next time"(158).
Peter confronts Josie about the reasoning behind her being friends with the "popular crowd". He tells Josie how fake she is with her new friends and Peter soon realizes how much Josie doesn't want to be friends with him anymore. She has made it clear this is due to Peter's "status" at the high school. The two then part their separate ways.

The Day After Chapter Summary
This is where Peter may be spending the rest of his life. He looks up at the camera in the jail cell, and wonders who really is behind that red blinking eye. Peter does not realize the consequences as he is still in shock. He plays over in his head repetitively what had happened the day before. This is now the point where Jordan McAfee meets his client. Jordan McAfee was appointed to the case by Peter's father. Lewis and Lacy are at home attempting to comfort each other with their son's mistake. They wonder if what had happened at Sterling High was due to any of their actions, or lack of. Police officers invade the Houghtons house to gather evidence for court. They take most of Peter's belongings including books, a computer,magazines, along with pictures of the room and different parts of the house. The police inquire about the rifles Lewis owns in the basement, and blame him indirectly for the trigger of the incident. Josie lay in her hospital bed, while making a mental list of the wounded. Josie learns that her boyfriend was one of the ten dead at Sterling High. She lay there helpless and wonders, "If you gave someone your heart and they died, did they take it with them? Did you spend the rest of forever with a hole inside you that couldn't be filled?"(102).
At 7:00 a.m., Josie is discharged from the hospital. She walks the bustling hallways of the hospital that remind her of her school, she notices a familiar name on a clipboard outside a room: HALEY WEAVER. Haley was a senior, homecoming queen for the past two years. She and her boyfriend, Brady, were the Brangelina of Sterling High. Josie pays a visit to Haley, when Haley asks her, "My face, it's ruined, isn't it"(103). Josie explains it isn't bad, when the right thing to do is tell a lie. She keeps quiet the whole ride home, and does not speak to her mother. She'd cut her forehead and narrowly avoided needing stitches, although the doctors had wanted to watch her overnight.
Josie wishes to attend the arraignment the next day, but Alex will not allow it.
Patrick begins to investigate the avidence. The police department now has the guns used in the shooting spree, labelled gun A, B, C, and D. The guns were tested for latent prints. Gun A had a print that matches the suspect, Peter, guns C and D were clean, and Gun B had a partial print on it that was inconclusive. Gun A was the gun primarily used during the shooting, and guns C and D were left in the backpack retrieved at the crime scene. Gun B had jammed after one discharge. It is understood now that Matthew Royston was the only victim to be shot twice.
At the arraignment which lasted approximately five minutes, it was decided that Peter would be remanded into custody for the next ten days until further accusations.
That night Josie had trouble sleeping. She gathered her mothers pills she had stashed away over the past year for emergencies, and got to the bathroom where she was hysterically crying. Her mother had heard the sobbing and raced upstairs, to find Josie without the pills on the bathroom floor.
Matthew Royston's memorial service was held in a church that wasn't large enough to hold the grief of its mourners. Classmates and parents and family friends packed into the pews, stood along the walls, spilled out the doors. Josie and her mother were sitting somewhere in the back, but that didn't keep Josie from feeling everyone was starring at her. Before Josie realized what she was doing, she'd gotten to her feet. Josie was shaking so hard as she stepped into the aisle. Mr. Royston has asked if Josie was alright, which she could not respond. She got to the podium at the front of the church, not realizing what she was saying, she blurted out to the crowd, "I'm sorry. Oh God. I'm so sorry"(119). Her mother had placed her arms around Josie and escorted her out of the church.

Twelve Years Before Chapter Summary
Twelve years before the massacre at Sterling High, Peter attended his first day of kindergarten with his best and only friend Josie. This is where the bullying began. Lacy sends her son off to school with a superman lunch box, that gets thrown out the window on the first day. Josie comforts Peter by telling him, "I've got peanut butter, we can share"(66).

The next page begins with Alex in a conference room at the jail, where she is a defense attorney. She excels at her job and is told she would become a great judge. Whit Hobart, Alex's retired boss who still swings by to see how she is doing, convinces her to become a judge. Whit reminds Alex of the father she never had.

Once Peter comes home from another day of school, Lacy begins to wonder what really is going on after several lunch boxes have disappeared, although suspicious Lacy shrugs off her curiosity.

Alex rushes to the elementary school to find Josie in the principles office. Alex and Josie talked about what really happened at school. Josie explains she punched a boy at school because she was sticking up for her friend Peter. She tells her mother that no one else would do anything about it, so she did. Alex questions if there was any teachers on recess duty, when Josie defends that there was only aides. Alex realizes both sides of the story and tells Josie, "You can't break the rules, not even when it seems like everyone else is doing it"(71).

Lacy goes to talk to Peter's teacher. Peter's teacher believes he should stick up for himself, because he won't always have someone there for support. Lacy disagrees and amused that the teachers really don't do anything.

While Lacy is at parent/teacher interviews, Alex is being interviewed for the position of a judge. Alex nervously, aces the interview and is Sterling's newest judge.

Later in the chapter, Peter and Josie are together for a play date at the Houghton's house. Alex comes to pick Josie up to go home for supper, but the two mothers both have trouble finding the kids. After turning the house upside down looking for the duo, Alex and Lacy here Peter say, "Here. Like this."(81). Alex raced down the stairwell that led to the basement to find her daughter and Peter playing with a gun. Alex, outraged questions the Houghtons how this could happen. Lacy explains nervously, that Peter must have got a key from his dad's secret hiding spot. The gun was Lewis's, Lacy's husband, who hunts and stores his guns in the basement. Peter becomes grounded, but is still aloud to go hunt with his father. He enjoys the time they spent together, and realizes that hunting is something for only the two. Peter's older brother Joey always came first, and was better at everything, but hunting was Peter and Lewis's thing.