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The Best People in the World Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Best People in the World


This story is about a student who falls in love with his teacher, and they run away to make a life together with a homeless man. Thomas is a high school student who falls in love with his teacher. Instead of facing his disapproving family, Thomas, Alice, and a homeless man, Shiloh, run away to make a life together. Shiloh tags along to help them survive under the radar since he has been homeless all of his adult life.
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The trio runs away to Vermont and live together in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere. Along the way, the three form a close relationship, with each one having specific chores to do around their new house. Since they don't have jobs, they wipe out their savings accounts and buy all the essentials they need.

Eventually, Shiloh becomes sick of being around Thomas and Alice because of their love for each other. They get on his nerves because he feels like he does everything for them and isn't appreciated. The majority of the story deals with the development and relationship of these characters during the struggles of living wild and free.

In the end, it's unclear whether or not Thomas returns home to his family, but he addresses Alice, which hints toward a dissolution of their relationship. Shiloh is unheard of, and Thomas reflects back on their journey together.
Best part of story, including ending: I really liked the development of the characters and their relationship. There was such a sadness that impacts the reader in a good way. There was nothing I hated.

Best scene in story: My favorite scene was probably the ending because the last section changes into the second person, which shows the reader things have drastically changed for Thomas.

Opinion about the main character: I liked that he was willing to take a chance on love and live wild instead of conforming to society's norm. I didn't like that he just left his family to worry over him without them knowing where he went.

The review of this Book prepared by Chase a Level 1 Blue Jay scholar

Chapter Analysis of The Best People in the World

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   depressed Time/era of story    -   1960's-1970's Romance/Romance Problems    -   Yes Internal struggle/realization?    -   Yes Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Lover is    -   much younger/older Pearls of wisdom from homeless?    -   Yes

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   student Age:    -   20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White (American)

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   7 () United States    -   Yes The US:    -   Northeast

Writing Style

Amount of dialog    -   significantly more descript than dialog

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Justin Tussing Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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