Henri Haltiwanger is the central protagonist of this novel. The novel is told through Henri’s first-person point of view, giving readers an inside glimpse into the pressures and joys he experiences during his last year of high school. Henri is a model student, a hard worker, and a charming young man. He has internalized the idea that in order to get ahead in life, he must present a certain manufactured version of himself to the world. He is inherently charming with a poise that results from self-coaching and rehearsing possible responses to situations; he has learned how to use that charm to disarm people and to win others’ respect and appreciation.

At school, Henri is popular and works hard to keep up with the competitive academic environment. He also runs his own dog walking service. Henri embodies the Haltiwanger Hustle, the term he and his father use to refer to their working hard to get ahead in life. As a first-generation American, Henri is the child of immigrants who have worked hard but did not start life out with the privileges that Henri has. A major external pressure on Henri is providing for his family and living up to their

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