Not Nothing

Shady Glen is a key symbol in the text, and Alex’s changing feelings towards Shady Glen reflect his emotional development. At first, Alex regards Shady Glen with fear and unease. There are strange sights and smells, and the elderly residents remind him of “zombies.” It is almost like a horror movie through Alex’s perspective: The space is full of endless hallways and creaky floors, and seems maze-like and intimidating. 

Alex keeps coming back, however, and soon Shady Glen changes from a symbol of decay into a space of transformation, new possibilities, and Finding Redemption through Community. It is here that Alex first meets Maya-Jade, who bosses him around and challenges his assumptions. Eventually, they become friends and begin interviewing residents for a project called Operation Rise, wanting to document the many ways that ordinary people like the residents of Shady Glen have fulfilled the calling of their lives. 

Importantly, it is also at Shady Glen where Alex meets Josey, who after five years of silence, speaks again because of Alex. The residents and staff, who Alex was not initially sure accepted him, become a new sort of family. As Alex begins to share meals, stories, and emotions with them, the space that once seemed frightening becomes one of healing and self-discovery.