Saving 6

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical and emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, bullying, substance use, and addiction. 

As Joey struggles with substance use disorder, the care of his younger siblings, and his father’s abuse, several characters in the novel are critical to his survival. Although he initially refuses to open up to anyone outside his family, insistent that he is fine on his own or that he does not want to burden anyone else with his problems, he learns the importance of depending on others.

One important character who helps Joey cope with his issues at home is his sister, Shannon. When Sean is born, Joey is overwhelmed by caring for him while still trying to attend school. However, Shannon’s willingness to help raise Sean gives Joey a reprieve from being his only caregiver. Additionally, as Joey fights withdrawal from drugs, Shannon is the only person who understands what he’s going through. He notes how he “knew that Shannon knew what was really happening. […] Still, neither of [them] spoke a word about the elephant in the room, and [he] was grateful for her in this moment. She wasn’t lecturing [him]. She wasn’t calling [him] names and reminding [him] of what a terrible person” he had become (474).