Cal states, "It's never too late to be the person you really are." Does Joe seem to buy into this philosophy at any point in the novel? Do you agree or disagree with Cal's assessment?

Cal states, "It's never too late to be the person you really are." Does Joe seem to buy into this philosophy at any point in the novel? Do you agree or disagree with Cal's assessment?

I would like to believe that Cal's statement is true--it seems that at the end of the novel Joe finally accepts his true self, and, even better, acts on it.

Joe seems to dip in and out of it as his relationship with October develops; he sort of tips his toe into the waters. He didn't fully act on it until the last part where October was having her major exhibit, even at that he backed away. It was at the very end that he realized it was time to take the opportunity. From an emotional viewpoint, I agree with the statement. The implementation, however, depends on circumstances and timing.

I think Joe's lack of self esteem stemmed from losing his brother and from the type of relationship he had with his dad. What Cal might have been trying to convey is that it's never too late to believe in yourself. I think the person you are can change.

I think Joe buys into that concept toward the end of the novel, when he decides to go back to California. I agree with Cal, in that as long as one is alive, it's possible to change and grow.

I think Joe struggled with this concept throughout the book, but buys into at the end...although it did take more prompting from Cal.

It takes Joe time to realize that he can truly be himself. He always thought he would fail or hurt someone. Joe thought it was better to run away than to risk. Thankfully, he finally does face his fears, with positive results.

No, I don’t agree. Some folks just miss the boat and are filled with regrets.

I think Joe agrees but sometimes he is too afraid to act on it. I agree with this idea. I agree with this concept. As long as you are alive, you can change.

I believe that Joe really embraced that towards the end of the book. When he began playing guitar again and creating art, he was taking a turn towards his true self. I do believe Cals statement though and I think many people believe that they need to do things by a certain age and have everything figured out, but the truth is that as we get older we also get to know ourselves better. I believe that’s when we are able to be the person we really are.