Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Ms. Abernard praises Gabi’s zine, although the content prevents her from allowing Gabi to share it with the class, “probably for promoting critical thinking” (203). Martin is also impressed by Gabi’s zine because it makes him think of the female body in a new way, to which Gabi responds, “Mission accomplished” (204). Although the content of her zine is too controversial to be read aloud in her poetry class at school, Gabi and Martin visit the coffee house again and read their zines to the college audience, making $15 and $12, respectively, from selling copies of their work to the audience afterwards.

In her English class, Gabi partners with Ian, a very attractive boy, for a group project. When Ian attempts to kiss Gabi, she stops him, saying, “Uhm...look...you have the wrong idea about me. I have a boyfriend. And he loves me. I mean, you’re hot, but I don’t like you like that. Sorry” (213). Ian doesn’t take the rejection well and tells Martin an alternate version of what took place between him and Gabi. Martin gets upset with Gabi without giving her a chance to explain the situation, but they eventually clear the air days later.