Throughout this novel and others written by Lee, the struggle to fit in and belong is a major theme. Traditional family values and expectations, combined with a clash of generations, become apparent early in the novel. For example, Chan wants to tell his father to let them all stay in L.A., but he knows no one would listen to him. This leaves Chan feeling helpless to control the course of his own destiny.

Unlike Chan, his sister, Young, stays within the safety of traditional family expectations. She plays the flute and makes excellent grades in school. In everything she does she strives to please her family. At times Chan considers himself to be his sister's evil twin.

Chan also thinks of himself as the rebel of the family. While in L.A. he has to convince Abogee (his father) to let him play...