comment on theme

The novel is written in first person from the limited perspective of Liz. She is a high school senior who is caught up in some overwhelming issues of her own, and this makes her less reliable when relating information about others and about herself. For example, Liz is confused when she begins to notice that Wes is kind, handsome, and funny. She had not expected him to have these attributes, but she still is not able to see him as anything but the annoying boy next door. Liz also discovers that she has been missing some details that make it clear Wes likes her. Liz's father and stepmother have to give her this information, including that he does not have to park on the street. Liz had not noticed that he had another option for parking, but this shows that Wes has been fighting with her about the parking spot just as a means of interacting with her.