Josh is often referred to as egotistical or vain, yet admits to caring about his appearance because he realizes “the world traded in appearances, so it made sense for [him] to look as good as [he] could” (159). Jules, too, is often judged for her appearance, resulting in insecurities that affect her daily life. Jules’s fraught childhood with her vain mother, Adeline, gives Jules her first glimpse of the importance of beauty. Adeline is a former model who spends her paychecks on beauty products instead of bills. As Jules grows from an awkward child into a young woman, instead of loving her unconditionally, Adeline becomes envious and resentful. In realizing that “[her] own mother viewed [her] as competition instead of family” (141), Jules begins to equate beauty with self-worth.

Adeline uses her beauty to win the affection of Alastair, the wealthiest man in Whittlesburg, Ohio. This teaches young Jules that the path to financial stability and happiness is through beauty, which is why 17-year-old Jules is drawn to Max’s “looks, charm, and flashy car” (176). Throughout their relationship, Max involves Jules in crime and speaks to her condescendingly about her dream of becoming a lawyer, insisting she is “way too hot to be stuck in some musty courtroom all day” (141); he suggests she be a model and “capitalize on that face and body” (141).