Throughout the novel, Josh, the main protagonist gains an understanding on how relationships can affect the individual, whether the influences are social or personal. Josh explores the concepts of honesty through the relationship between his Father. Josh undertakes a series of experiences that act as a catalyst to explore the concept of honesty and the importance of honesty in maintaining a strong, healthy relationship.
During the beginning of the novel, the lack of honesty in Josh’s relationships is evident due him not wanting to disappoint the people who mean the most to him.” I remember the disappointment on my dad’s face, and that’s the trouble. I don’t want to make him look like that again.” (Moloney, 2005, p. 55). This explores Josh’s father’s reaction when his older brother, Michael, doesn’t contribute to attending church on a Sunday morning, it conveys a strong contrast between both Josh and Michael personal attributes, and the honesty that is conveyed throughout the novel by both these two characters. Although Josh doesn’t believe in god, he continues to participate in going to church with his family to not disappoint his father, as religion means a lot to him. “I keep going to church along with the rest of the family. It’s not very honest and I hate that, I hate myself, I hate the whole situation” (Moloney, 2005, p. 56). This acts as a catalyst for Josh, as Josh is starting to realise that honesty