Everything Is Not Enough touches on several social issues which Asher addresses delicately and sensitively. The idea for the book sprang from a talk show about a young woman who had been physically abused by her boyfriend. Initially, Asher was going to set the story around the girl, but it seemed too grim. Instead the girl became Traci, the character of the subplot, and a part of the world from which Michael's parents are trying to protect him. The submissive personality of the battered Traci and the violent behavior of Pete are explored, but the focus is on how Michael and Linda come to terms with the problem. Asher does not present simple solutions where there are none, but allows the characters to discover that they cannot help someone who does not want to change.

Drinking alcohol at parties is a behavior that Michael sees and...