Josie's experiences in Year 12 have changed her perception of herself and others in many different ways. Her character has grown and changed a lot from when we were first introduced to her, to the end of the novel. In the beginning of the novel, Josie just wanted "to belong to her [Poison Ivy's] world. The world of sleek haircuts and upper-class privileges. People who know famous people and lead educated lives. A world where she could be accepted.".
The three main events which contributed to her changed perception of herself and others, are the relationship which Josie develops with her father, Michael Andretti; the relationship between her and Katia Alibrandi and finding out the truth about her grandmother's mistake; and John Barton's death.
Near the beginning of the novel, are introduced to Michael Andretti twice. The first was a quick encounter with him and Josie at her Nonna's house, and second time at a family barbecue. During those times, we can see that Josie hates her father, because of what he did to her mother. Josie is very protective of her mother, and make this clear to Michael. "I don't want you anywhere near us, especially my mother". Later in the novel, she has spent more time with her father, and has come to realise that he isn't really that bad. Michael Andretti became a familiar face, he was no longer the man her mother had slept with and resulted in her, but her father. With this, it gave her a kind of security, which made her felt accepted, in a way.
From the beginning of the novel, we already know the attitude Josie has about her Nonna. She can't stand her because she always puts her mother down, and that she would never let her mother forget the past. "I hated her because she never had anything nice to say about Mama. I hate her because she would never let my mother forget the past She would ring up Mama so she could say "you"re a bad mother Christina"." As the story goes on, Josie becomes more kind to her Nonna, because of her interest in her Nonna's past.
