Content Warning: This section contains descriptions of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of surviving a school shooting.

GNB is both the setting of the story and a motif that both distinguishes and unites a natural way of life with the pursuit of scientific advancement. The town is defined by the two types of people who live there, which are those who are trying to escape modern technology to live an older way of life and those who are directly involved with the SETI project. The town is named a National Quiet Zone because it does not have Internet, television, or radio. Simon is happy to move to GNB because all he wants is to escape his past and the attention it brought him. Simon has to learn to use maps, find new ways to spend his free time, and get all of his information from books. The town provides the perfect atmosphere and mantra for Simon as he learns about Living With PTSD.

GNB is a small town, so Simon quickly learns that everyone knows everyone. It is a safe place to live, and Simon often rides his bike around town on his own.