What’s Up With the Ending?

As the book ends, Calogero is swept away on the current of the great river, and as he floats, he thinks about the family he has lost and his brother, Rocco, who he hopes to find and connect with. Calo thinks about how he must run his race (check out the "Symbols" section for more on this race), but that he will return to this small Louisiana town someday. He feels peaceful and has his gaze fixed on the future, so despite the super intense tragedy that's just occurred, the book ends on a hopeful note. Calo's not exactly certain what awaits him, but he is decidedly ready to meet his future too.