The Thing About Jellyfish

Suzy explains that jellyfish are taking over the world’s oceans and making an impact on both aquatic species and humans. They “bloom” in population as overfishing of the oceans continues, as they have little competition for food; neither warming seas nor chemicals in the water have any effect on them. Suzy reveals that scientists think their eating habits impact penguins and whales and that “power plants around the world have been shut down when hundreds of thousands of the creatures have clogged their seawater cooling systems” (110-11). Jellyfish are always present in the world’s oceans, “moving silently, endlessly” (111).

In this flashback chapter addressed to Franny, Suzy relates how her home life has changed now that her father has moved into his own apartment and how she mentally begs Franny not to change. Franny, however, seems to care more and more about her hair, clothes, and shoes. Franny tries to encourage Suzy’s hair to be less frizzy with the use of hair products, but Suzy washes the products out when Franny leaves. Also, Suzy relates how Aaron brings Rocco to dinner with Mom and Suzy for the first time, and Suzy recognizes that Aaron’s relationship with Rocco is more special than Aaron’s