Sloane's Heartbreak and New Beginnings

Sloane Hart, a college senior, faces the emotional turmoil of a breakup with Ethan Brady, a man she loved deeply but never officially dated. Their relationship was fraught with unspoken emotions and undefined boundaries, leaving Sloane to grapple with the pain of lost love. Despite this, she is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a writer in New York City. Sloane battles her mother's expectations and her own insecurities, yet remains hopeful about her future, focusing on new beginnings and personal growth.

Ethan's Struggles and Sloane's Resolve

Ethan Brady, charming yet emotionally unavailable, struggles with his inability to commit to Sloane due to a troubled past and fear of vulnerability. Sloane, meanwhile, is resolute in making the most of her final college days, finding solace in friendships and the prospect of a fresh start in New York. Her determination to move forward contrasts with Ethan's internal conflict, highlighting her strength and resolve to not settle for less than she deserves.

College Memories and Uncertain Futures

As Sloane and her friends navigate their final semester, they reminisce about college memories while facing the uncertainty of post-graduation life. Supported by her roommates, Lauren and Jordan, Sloane prepares for her move to New York. Despite the excitement of new beginnings, she is haunted by the fear of leaving behind the life she knows and the people she loves, underscoring the bittersweet nature of change and growth.

Love, Loss, and Moving On

Sloane struggles to move on from Ethan, who remains a constant presence in her thoughts. She attempts to distract herself with new experiences and potential romantic interests, but her heart remains tethered to Ethan. As graduation approaches, Sloane confronts her feelings and makes peace with the end of her college chapter. She learns that healing is a process and that it's okay to let go of what no longer serves her, embracing the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

New York Dreams and Old Wounds

Sloane embarks on her new journey in New York City, landing a job at The Gist, a digital media company. Despite the challenges of adjusting to city life and a demanding job, Sloane is determined to succeed. She finds comfort in her new friendships and the promise of a fresh start. However, the wounds from her past relationship with Ethan linger, reminding her of the love she lost and the emotional scars she carries as she forges a new path.

Secrets Revealed and Emotional Turmoil

Sloane learns from Graham about Ethan's traumatic childhood, including his parents' arrest for a fatal DUI accident and his mother's abandonment. This revelation helps Sloane understand Ethan's emotional unavailability and fear of commitment. Despite this insight, Sloane grapples with her feelings, questioning whether she should continue to hold onto hope for a future with Ethan or let go and move on, highlighting the complexity of love and forgiveness.

Rekindled Connections and Final Goodbyes

Ethan visits Sloane in New York, reigniting old feelings and unresolved emotions. Despite the joy of their reunion, the visit is bittersweet, as both realize that their paths are diverging. Ethan's inability to commit and Sloane's desire for a stable relationship lead to a final goodbye. Sloane is left to navigate her new life alone, but with a renewed sense of self and the hope of finding love again, embracing the future with courage and optimism.

Characters

Sloane Hart

Sloane is a college senior with aspirations of becoming a writer in New York City. Her complex relationship with Ethan is marked by unspoken emotions and undefined boundaries. Despite the heartbreak, Sloane is determined to move forward, focusing on her career and new beginnings. Supported by her friends and driven by ambition, she grapples with the pain of lost love while embracing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Ethan Brady

Ethan is a college senior haunted by a troubled past and a fear of vulnerability. Despite his feelings for Sloane, his inability to commit leads to the end of their relationship. Ethan's emotional barriers stem from deep-seated fears and unresolved trauma, leaving him to confront his inner demons and the consequences of his actions, ultimately shaping his journey of self-awareness and growth.

Lauren Ellis

Lauren is Sloane's best friend and roommate, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Practical and grounded, she offers advice and perspective to Sloane, helping her navigate the challenges of love and self-discovery. Lauren's own experiences with relationships influence her outlook, and she is determined to make the most of her post-graduation life, embodying resilience and optimism.

Jordan Coleman

Jordan is Sloane's other roommate, known for her carefree attitude and positive outlook on life. She is a source of light and laughter, always ready to lift Sloane's spirits. Jordan's go-with-the-flow nature complements Sloane's more serious demeanor, providing balance and perspective, and highlighting the importance of friendship and support in times of change.

Graham Clark

Graham is Ethan's best friend and roommate, offering support and camaraderie. Aware of Ethan's struggles, he often acts as a sounding board for his friend's concerns. Graham's own relationship with Lauren adds complexity to the group dynamic, as he navigates his own feelings and future plans, embodying loyalty and insight.

Annie Walker

Annie is Sloane's boss and a guiding force in her career. She encourages Sloane to channel her emotions into writing, leading to personal and professional growth. Annie's belief in Sloane's potential is instrumental in her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, highlighting the importance of mentorship and encouragement in achieving one's dreams.

Plot Devices

Unspoken Emotions

The relationship between Sloane and Ethan is marked by unspoken emotions and undefined boundaries. Their inability to communicate openly leads to misunderstandings and heartache, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and honesty in relationships. This device underscores the complexity of human emotions and the challenges of navigating love and connection.

New Beginnings

Sloane's move to New York City represents a new beginning, filled with opportunities and challenges. The city serves as a backdrop for her personal growth and career aspirations, symbolizing the potential for reinvention and self-discovery. This device emphasizes the transformative power of change and the courage required to embrace new experiences.

The Passage of Time

The story is framed by the passage of time, from the final days of college to the start of a new chapter in New York. This device underscores the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing new experiences, even when they come with uncertainty and loss. It highlights the journey of growth and the resilience required to navigate life's transitions.

Analysis

"Call It What You Want" by Alissa DeRogatis delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the journey of self-discovery. Through Sloane's experiences, the novel explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative power of new beginnings. The story highlights the importance of embracing change, letting go of the past, and finding strength in one's own identity. It underscores the significance of communication and honesty in relationships, as well as the courage required to pursue one's dreams. Ultimately, the book offers a poignant reflection on the human experience, encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.

Last updated: April 3, 2025