Nolan's writing tends to present complex psychological layers for readers to explore and contemplate. JP narrates his experiences during two years after his beloved Grandma Mary dies. By choosing to write her novel in first person, Nolan focuses on one character's perceptions of the chaos the death sparks. JP is a biased narrator. He derogatorily calls Dr. Morris Dr. Mike to express his contempt for him. Sometimes JP is more cliched than profound to emphasize his immaturity and dismay at the lack of control he has over fate and people.

Intensely grieving, he is upset by changes, mainly initiated by his chronically ill mother, that are altering the way life was with Grandma Mary. Through language and imagery, Nolan shows how JP's point of view gradually shifts from being tinged by his depressed bitterness to accepting his and others' flaws and learning to love and be...