In The Lovely Bones, stories transcend mere words or simple entertainment; they possess significant power and a distinct logic. Their influence is rooted in their emotional and moral impact. For example, Len Fenerman's reluctance to close cases honors the victims. Similarly, Susie compiles her own list of the living to counterbalance Mr. Harvey's list of the deceased. Mr. Harvey himself depends on the power of his narratives for survival. When he hunts, he fabricates convincing stories about his wife to disguise his sinister intentions. During police interrogations, the elaborate details he shares lead them to see him as quirky but not guilty.

Stories hold such importance that deceased women in heaven celebrate Ruth Conner as a hero when she visits. Documenting their suffering and deaths carries significance for them, even in the afterlife, and having someone accurately remember them is vitally important.

Ultimately, stories in The Lovely Bones follow their own unique logic. In a fair universe, Susie Salmon should have experienced more than a single kiss with Ray Singh; and in this universe, she does. She gets an opportunity to return and fulfill their interrupted romance. More broadly, Susie watches over her family until their story reaches a joyful conclusion.