One of the biggest themes in this story is that of identity. Maddy feels she is defined by her sickness; it is the only thing she has ever known until Olly comes into her life. We get to follow along with her as she tries to discover who she is. She missed many opportunities because of her mom, but now she can start taking the new opportunities life gives her. She has to go from the sick girl to the free girl, so now she is not sure who she is. Another theme is love and if it is worth the risk. She takes the risk of falling in love with Olly even though he could break her heart, and she takes the risk of going outside for him even though she could die. She tries to fight her feelings in the beginning because she knows there is nothing she
