Louis Ortiz is an aspiring author finishing his debut novel. Before applying the final touches, he gives the manuscript to his longtime friend, Naomi, on the eve of her life-threatening operation. The manuscript, entitled "The Book of Isabel, " is an autobiographical story set in 1999, where Louis first learns to come to grips with lost loves and strained friendships. Taking place in Syracuse and New York City, this story within a story is a continuation of "Hanging Upside Down, " that explains Isabel's role in Louis' life and asks the question, do friends really last forever?