The Perfect Escape

The main plot of the novel revolves around finding creative means and ways of earning money. This constant narrative thread supports all three major themes. Because most first-generation immigrants have no family support system in their new country to rely on, part of future generations’ cultural identity may be informed by poverty like Nate’s is. Unlike Kate and Peter, whose parents are both wealthy CEOs, immigrant families may have no such socioeconomic advantages. Additionally, a lack of money shapes both Nate and Kate’s aspirations and dreams. Nate is targeted at school by bullies like Peter who tease him and other disadvantaged students for attending the school with scholarship money. This distinction in social status causes Nate to become preoccupied with overcoming his poverty; he therefore becomes tempted to compromise his own integrity in pursuit of his ambitions. Similarly, Kate’s goal of becoming a Broadway star is only possible with money that does not belong to her controlling father, which makes Zombiegeddon’s cash prize even more desirable.

Moreover, although Nate and Kate’s respective socioeconomic positions are vastly different, money has nevertheless influenced the dynamics of both families. In addition to minor annoyances like “being too poor to afford an ice-cream cake and party” and trading name-brand groceries for generic ones, Nate resents that “the Kim family rule prevent[s] [him] from asking or arguing about it” (149). The lack of communication about their financial issues causes family tension, which Nate’s parents refuse to acknowledge. On the other hand, even though Kate is wealthy, money causes tension in her family as well because her father sees it as a substitute for his presence and affection in Kate’s life. He provides for her physically but neglects her emotionally, and this dynamic makes Kate feel the need to escape. Overall, the novel displays both sides of the issue, demonstrating that sometimes a lack of money can be frustrating but also that having money doesn’t solve every problem. Indeed, Nate learns this lesson at the end of the novel when he wins the Zombiegeddon prize and discovers that having the money he desperately desired does not bring him true happiness, as he has lost Kate in the process and must alter his approach to life in order to win her back.