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).