Come as You Are Summary, Characters and Themes
Come as You Are by Dahlia Adler is a story of personal growth and self-discovery. The novel centers on Evie, a college student struggling with her identity, complicated relationships, and the emotional aftermath of a difficult family past.
After being betrayed by her sister and trying to fit in at a new school, Evie seeks independence and reinvention. Throughout the story, she grapples with trust issues, her feelings toward her friend Salem, and her tangled emotions concerning her sister Sierra. As Evie navigates her social life, she learns that the key to healing lies in accepting her true self, rather than trying to conform to others’ expectations. This journey is marked by moments of vulnerability, personal conflict, and the hope of a better future.
Summary
The story begins with Evie, a sophomore transfer student to Camden Academy, dealing with the chaos of her first few days. Her initial troubles arise from a mix-up in dorm assignments, which places her in Rumson Hall, a boys’ dorm, instead of the girls’ dorm.
The confusion occurs because her unisex name, Everett, is assumed to belong to a male. Evie uses her quick wit and sarcasm to navigate the awkward situation, eventually finding a temporary solution to stay in the boys’ dorm with her own bathroom.
However, her struggles don’t stop there; Evie is also running from a painful past and looking for a fresh start.
Previously, at Greentree High, Evie had been betrayed by her sister Sierra, who took everything from her, including her boyfriend. This betrayal leaves Evie heartbroken, and she hopes that Camden will be a place where she can escape the painful memories and start anew.
But the rumors surrounding her, referring to her as the “Rumson Girl,” follow her to Camden, and she quickly becomes the subject of gossip and judgment. This puts Evie in a difficult position as she tries to navigate her desire for independence with the pressures of fitting in and handling the drama that surrounds her.
Evie begins to form relationships with her new classmates, though many of them challenge her in different ways. Her roommate, Archibald “Archie” Buchanan, is an arrogant, wealthy legacy who initially does not get along with Evie.
Despite their differences, Evie’s defiance gradually earns his reluctant respect. She also bonds with Salem, another transfer student with a rebellious streak.
Through their sarcastic banter and shared frustrations, Evie and Salem develop a connection, though Evie remains wary of her growing feelings for him.
Evie finds herself caught in a complex situation with Lucas Burke, a charming but troubling boy who initially flirts with her. However, Lucas later reveals that he is dating Heather, one of Evie’s new friends.
This revelation stirs feelings of betrayal in Evie, much like the pain she felt with Sierra, but she is determined to keep control of her emotions and not let this situation define her.
As Evie grapples with these tensions, she begins to realize that the path she’s chosen—to reinvent herself as the “bad girl”—is not bringing her the satisfaction she anticipated. Instead, her journey is more about accepting who she truly is, beyond the labels others place on her.
She faces difficult questions about how she wants to be seen by others and how much of her past should define her future.
One of Evie’s efforts to change her image is through her involvement in a campus talent show. Trying to break away from her painful past, she participates in the event, hoping it will help her create a new persona.
However, as she practices card tricks for her role in the performance, Evie is faced with the uncomfortable reality of her self-image and the pressure of meeting others’ expectations. Her performance, which should have been a moment of self-expression, highlights her internal conflict and reveals how deeply her past mistakes, particularly with relationships, still haunt her.
Evie’s growing friendship with Sabrina, another student at Camden, adds another layer to her journey. Sabrina’s openness about her own struggles with relationships and the fear of rejection provides Evie with the chance to connect with someone who understands her on a deeper level.
The two start a book club for LGBTQ+ literature, creating a space for shared experiences and understanding. At the same time, Evie continues to wrestle with her feelings toward Salem, who remains an enigmatic figure in her life.
She recognizes that he might not be the ideal partner, but there’s a magnetic pull between them that keeps her intrigued and frustrated.
As Evie’s emotional turmoil deepens, she turns to music for solace, listening to bands Salem had mentioned. This connection to Salem’s tastes only fuels her confusion, as she begins to reflect on her past friendships and the betrayals that shaped her present.
She struggles with the sense that she’s disconnected from the people she once cared about, including her sister Sierra, who has moved on from their shared past. Evie becomes obsessed with checking Sierra’s social media, trying to understand the changes in her life since they parted ways.
This only deepens her feeling of isolation and disconnection.
Evie’s emotional distance from others is further complicated when she learns that Sierra has entered rehab, prompting her to confront the broken relationship with her sister. This revelation leaves Evie reeling, questioning how she could have missed the signs of her sister’s struggles.
While dealing with her sister’s crisis, Evie also grapples with her feelings for Salem, whom she becomes increasingly drawn to despite his involvement with Jenna, another student at Camden. This complicated dynamic leaves Evie torn between her deepening attraction to Salem and her need to respect his existing relationship.
The novel reaches a climax during the talent show, where Evie’s performance is marked by both insecurity and an attempt at self-expression. This moment brings her closer to Salem, but also exposes the tension in their relationship.
Their unresolved feelings for each other come to the surface, though their connection remains unspoken. Evie’s journey culminates in her realization that she cannot control everything in her life, but she can control her response to the challenges she faces.
Through her evolving relationships with people like Salem and Sabrina, and her acceptance of her own identity, Evie begins to move forward, learning that personal growth is about embracing who she is, not trying to reinvent herself to fit others’ expectations.
In the end, Come as You Are is a story of self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating relationships, identity, and the weight of past experiences. Evie’s journey is one of reclaiming her sense of self in the face of betrayal and emotional turmoil, and she learns to embrace her imperfections as part of her path toward healing.
Characters
Evie
Evie is the central character in Come As You Are, and her journey revolves around self-discovery and personal growth. Starting as a sophomore at Camden Academy, Evie is initially portrayed as a girl trying to escape the shadow of her painful past.
Her emotional baggage stems largely from her sister Sierra’s betrayal, which leaves her feeling isolated and misunderstood. This betrayal has shaped much of Evie’s personality, contributing to her guarded nature and reluctance to trust others.
At Camden, she tries to reinvent herself, often resorting to a “bad girl” persona as a defense mechanism. However, this façade slowly crumbles as Evie starts to realize that true strength comes from embracing her vulnerabilities, not from creating a false identity.
Her relationships with others are complicated by her internal struggles. Evie’s bond with Salem is particularly intense; despite their deep emotional connection, their interactions are tinged with confusion and unresolved tension.
She is also grappling with her past mistakes, including her fractured relationship with her sister and the fallout from a betrayal by a close friend. Throughout the narrative, Evie learns to balance her desire for independence with her need for connection, and by the end of the book, she begins to understand that she has the power to shape her identity, free from the past that has haunted her for so long.
Salem
Salem plays a pivotal role in Evie’s journey, functioning both as a friend and a potential romantic interest. His relationship with Evie is marked by a mix of warmth and distance, as he is initially involved with another girl, Jenna.
Salem’s complexity lies in his ability to provide emotional support for Evie while maintaining his own complicated emotions and relationships. He becomes a sounding board for Evie as she processes her feelings of betrayal and heartbreak, especially in the wake of her sister’s drug addiction and the impact it has had on her family.
Although Salem’s interactions with Evie are often playful, there is an undeniable chemistry between them, and his presence offers a form of comfort for her during her darkest moments.
Salem’s aloofness and reluctance to commit to a clear romantic direction with Evie only add to the complexity of their relationship. While he is not the perfect partner, he is someone who challenges Evie, pushing her to confront her emotional baggage and personal insecurities.
Despite the messiness of their relationship, Salem’s role in Evie’s life is crucial in her emotional healing, providing her with both companionship and a source of internal conflict as she navigates her own sense of self-worth and identity.
Sierra
Sierra, Evie’s older sister, plays a significant yet largely off-screen role in shaping Evie’s internal struggles. Her betrayal, which involved stealing Evie’s boyfriend, has left deep emotional scars that Evie struggles to heal from throughout the novel.
Sierra’s actions are emblematic of a toxic relationship between the two sisters, one that becomes even more complicated when Sierra’s drug addiction is revealed. Sierra’s descent into addiction becomes a major emotional turning point for Evie, forcing her to confront the complexities of their bond and the painful reality that her sister, once her closest ally, is now someone she can neither trust nor rely on.
Despite her absence for much of the story, Sierra’s influence on Evie is undeniable. As Evie watches Sierra spiral, she is reminded of the betrayals she has faced, both from her sister and from others in her life.
This further fuels Evie’s desire to distance herself from her past, but it also forces her to reckon with her feelings of abandonment and emotional neglect. Sierra’s actions challenge Evie to rethink her understanding of family, trust, and forgiveness.
Archie Buchanan
Archibald “Archie” Buchanan serves as a secondary yet notable character who plays a significant role in Evie’s adjustment to life at Camden Academy. Initially, Archie is portrayed as a rich and arrogant student who resents being paired with Evie as a roommate.
His wealth and legacy status make him part of the privileged elite at the school, and he embodies much of the school’s traditional values. However, Archie’s relationship with Evie evolves throughout the story.
Though initially cold and dismissive, he comes to respect Evie’s defiance and resilience, particularly as she challenges the social norms and expectations that he has grown accustomed to.
Archie’s character arc is one of growth and self-awareness. As the story progresses, his arrogant exterior begins to crack, revealing a more vulnerable and complex person.
His interactions with Evie offer insight into the privileged world he inhabits, and through their unlikely friendship, he is forced to reconsider some of his preconceived notions about class, social status, and personal worth. While Archie is not a central figure, his evolution highlights the broader themes of self-discovery and breaking free from the constraints of social expectations.
Heather
Heather is one of Evie’s new friends at Camden, though her role in the story is more nuanced than it first appears. Initially, she seems to be part of the popular crowd, someone who would fit easily into the social scene at Camden.
However, Heather’s relationship with Evie is complicated by the fact that she is dating Lucas, a boy whom Evie develops feelings for. This dynamic creates tension, as Evie grapples with feelings of betrayal and jealousy, especially when Lucas flirts with her only to reveal his commitment to Heather.
Heather’s character is important because she challenges Evie’s perceptions of friendship and loyalty. While Evie is initially distant from her, Heather’s willingness to navigate these complicated social waters with Evie suggests that she may have her own internal conflicts.
Despite the rivalry over Lucas, Heather remains a steady presence in Evie’s life, representing the complexities of navigating female friendships and romantic entanglements in a competitive, emotionally charged environment.
Lucas Burke
Lucas Burke is a charming yet somewhat troubling figure in Evie’s life. Initially, he appears to be a potential love interest, flirting with Evie and drawing her in with his charisma.
However, his relationship with Heather complicates this budding attraction, and Evie is left feeling betrayed and conflicted. Lucas’s actions mirror some of the emotional betrayal Evie experienced with her sister, making it difficult for her to fully trust him.
Despite his initial flirtations, Lucas ultimately demonstrates that he is not the ideal romantic partner that Evie had hoped for.
Lucas’s role in the story highlights Evie’s ongoing struggles with relationships and trust. His initial flirtations and subsequent commitment to Heather force Evie to confront her feelings of inadequacy and abandonment, as she questions whether she will ever find someone who truly sees her for who she is.
Through her interactions with Lucas, Evie learns valuable lessons about the complexities of relationships and the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, even in the face of attraction.
Themes
Self-Identity and Reinvention
Evie’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention plays a crucial role throughout Come as You Are. At Camden Academy, Evie arrives with the desire to redefine herself, especially after the betrayal by her sister and the emotional scars from her past.
She attempts to craft a new persona—someone who is detached and rebellious, avoiding any vulnerability. However, as the story unfolds, Evie starts realizing that true transformation doesn’t lie in adopting a completely new identity but in embracing who she genuinely is.
Her attempts to change her image, such as through a cringeworthy makeover or participating in the talent show, underscore her initial belief that she needs to distance herself from her past in order to move forward. Yet, it becomes clear that her past experiences, including the betrayal by Sierra and her relationship with Salem, shape her understanding of herself.
Rather than completely shedding her former self, Evie learns that healing and growth come from accepting her vulnerabilities, learning from her mistakes, and understanding how these experiences have shaped the person she is becoming. This theme underscores the complexity of self-identity—it’s not about reinventing oneself but rather reconciling one’s past with who they aspire to be in the present and future.
Betrayal and Trust
The theme of betrayal runs deeply throughout Evie’s experiences, particularly with her family and relationships. The most significant betrayal comes from her sister, Sierra, whose actions leave deep emotional scars on Evie.
Sierra not only takes Evie’s boyfriend but also undermines her in other subtle ways, creating a wedge between the two sisters. This betrayal leaves Evie struggling to trust others, especially in her new environment at Camden.
Her complicated relationship with Salem further explores the issue of trust, as Evie is constantly grappling with her feelings for him while also dealing with the fact that he is involved with another girl. The emotional toll this takes on her is evident as she becomes increasingly isolated, both emotionally and physically.
However, as the story progresses, Evie begins to confront these issues head-on. She acknowledges the importance of trust in relationships, even if it means learning to let go of her expectations and accepting that not all relationships are built on trust from the start.
The emotional weight of betrayal in the book ultimately highlights how Evie must navigate through her past pain to rebuild trust in herself and those around her.
Emotional Isolation and Connection
Evie’s emotional isolation is a recurring theme throughout Come as You Are, especially as she tries to distance herself from the pain of her past. Initially, she isolates herself from others, reflecting on her past experiences and the deep wounds caused by Sierra’s betrayal.
This isolation is compounded by her struggle to connect with people at Camden. She feels like an outsider, disconnected from the lives of those she left behind, and unable to form lasting bonds with her new peers.
However, through her interactions with people like Sabrina and Salem, Evie starts to realize that emotional connection doesn’t come from fitting into a specific mold or conforming to expectations. It comes from vulnerability, mutual understanding, and genuine care.
The book explores how Evie learns to navigate her emotional isolation, gradually opening up to others, even as she faces the discomfort of confronting her emotions. This journey of finding solace in new relationships, such as with Sabrina and Salem, helps Evie overcome her initial emotional distance and start building the authentic connections that had eluded her.
By the end of the story, Evie begins to understand that connection is not about erasing her past or becoming someone different, but about learning to embrace her emotional complexities and allowing others to do the same.
The Complexity of Family Relationships
Family dynamics, particularly those within Evie’s household, are central to her emotional turmoil in Come as You Are. Evie’s relationship with her sister, Sierra, is marked by betrayal and abandonment, but the emotional complexity of their bond goes beyond simple conflict.
Sierra’s actions, including her drug use and eventual rehab stint, force Evie to confront unresolved feelings of anger, guilt, and confusion. The revelations about Sierra’s life, her addiction, and her attempt to heal add layers to Evie’s struggle with her own identity.
Evie feels a sense of neglect from her family, compounded by her mother’s inability to fully understand her needs. As she deals with her sister’s crisis, Evie also reflects on her own role in their fractured relationship, questioning her place in the family and the expectations placed on her.
The book shows how familial obligations can both nurture and constrain personal growth. Evie’s emotional journey within her family is a complicated one—she is forced to balance her own healing with the responsibility she feels for her sister and the ongoing weight of family loyalty.
Through her struggle, Evie ultimately comes to terms with the idea that family, though important, is not always the source of emotional fulfillment, and she must learn to define her own sense of belonging outside of familial expectations.
Romantic Relationships and Emotional Growth
Evie’s romantic relationships are crucial to her emotional growth in Come as You Are. Her relationship with Salem, a fellow student, exemplifies the complexities of romantic entanglements and emotional growth.
Initially, Evie’s feelings for Salem are fueled by a desire for connection, but she is also cautious, aware of the emotional baggage both she and Salem carry. As their friendship develops, Evie grapples with her growing attraction to him and the tension that arises when she learns he is dating someone else.
This dynamic forces Evie to confront her own feelings of inadequacy and the complexities of wanting someone who may not be available or emotionally available in the way she hopes. Moreover, Evie’s romantic journey also reflects her internal conflict over the kind of person she wants to be in a relationship.
Does she want to be the “bad girl” who distances herself emotionally, or is she ready to let down her guard and open herself up to deeper emotional connections? The story shows that growth in romantic relationships requires honesty, vulnerability, and understanding.
As Evie navigates her feelings for Salem, she also learns to better understand her own desires and emotional needs, ultimately realizing that self-love and self-acceptance must come first before she can fully engage in a healthy romantic relationship.
Personal Growth Through Struggle
At its core, Come as You Are is a narrative about personal growth through struggle. Evie’s journey is filled with emotional setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but each challenge she faces ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of herself.
Her emotional struggles with her family, friends, and romantic interests push her to confront painful truths, but it is through these struggles that she begins to understand her own worth. The book highlights that growth is not a linear process—Evie doesn’t transform overnight, but rather she evolves through her experiences, both painful and uplifting.
Her realization that she cannot escape her past but can choose how to react to it marks a turning point in her development. The story demonstrates that personal growth often involves navigating through uncomfortable and challenging emotions, and by doing so, one can emerge stronger, more self-aware, and better equipped to face future obstacles.
Through Evie’s ups and downs, Come as You Are delivers a powerful message that true growth comes from embracing the complexity of life’s struggles rather than trying to avoid or escape them.