In Jodi Picoult's "The Pact," the character Chris often finds himself yearning for clarity about his future. He imagines the possibility of looking ahead to see the ultimate outcome of his life and choices, which would eliminate the uncertainty and struggle of navigating his current circumstances. This desire reflects a common human wish to avoid hardships by knowing the end result beforehand.

Chris's longing to glimpse the "back of the book" symbolizes a deeper desire for control over his life and an escape from the emotional turmoil he faces. It highlights the universal challenge of confronting the unknown and underscores the complexity of living in the moment, where each decision carries weight and consequence. In wanting to bypass the difficulties, he grapples with the essence of existence itself.