The novel’s protagonist Rafe understands that he is different from classmates in the high school of Boulder, Colorado: Rafe is openly gay. Rafe’s classmates attach labels to his name such as Rafe: “the openly gay, gay and smart” or “the well liked gay.” To escape these labels Rafe moves to an all-boy’s high school on the east coast, and masks his homosexuality from his classmates at this new boarding school. Although He is not ashamed that he is a homosexual; rather, he simply wishes to define his public identity. Shortly after arriving to the high school Rafe befriends his roommate Albie and Toby, who become his very close friends. During Rafe’s time at the high school, he befriends his roommate/football player, Ben. Rafe’s roommates quickly