This novel is definitely for mature readers. Some parents of even high school students may object to the issues discussed and the manner in which they are discussed. All of the following topics are at least mentioned while others are explored in depth: divorce, drugs, mid-life crisis, anorexia, dyslexia, suicide, and sex. Not all parents or teachers will appreciate Klein's treatment of these issues, especially her presentation of drugs and their use by the main character; nor will some readers appreciate the attention given to teen-age sexuality and the coming of age of the main character.

Klein does not preach morals, as she herself notes: I loathe books that try to teach or end with a moral lesson. My feeling is if you want to preach, become a preacher. Books should entertain, move, delight, not hammer the reader over the head.

Klein has also noted, "I...